In the recently released E-Government Survey from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked first globally in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), scoring 100%.
The report also included the Human Capital Index (HCI), which increased the UAE’s rank from 44th to 10th, reflecting the UAE government’s concerted efforts in skills development to accelerate digital transformation. This feat positions the country as the first in Asia and the Arab world in the HCI.
In the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), the UAE scored 95%, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most developed countries.
Additionally, the UAE became the first country to achieve a perfect score in both the content provisioning and institutional framework standards, as well as the E-Government Literacy (EGL) index—two sub-indices of the Online Service Index (OSI).
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We the UAE 2031
Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority’s (TDRA) Chairman, Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, celebrated the efforts of the minds behind the UAE’s milestones, highlighting how the UAE is now reaping the rewards of solidifying the foundations of a digital knowledge society and economy and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
“The UAE's progress in digital government is an outstanding model in integrating human creativity with technology to facilitate people's lives. The UAE government has been proactive in investing in the telecommunications sector as part of a forward-looking vision in line with the directives of the wise leadership. For over more than two decades, major investments have been made in telecommunications infrastructure. This, accompanied by the upskilling of government cadres has reflected on our country’s progress in this vital sector, which represents the basis of sustainability and creating the future,” he stated.
Furthermore, TDRA’s Director General, Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, underscored the TII as one of the most important pillars in global competitiveness and sustainable development initiatives, reflecting the level of progress by countries in adopting modern technologies.
He stressed the significance of the UAE’s journey in achieving a digital economy and smart city based on an inclusive government, customer centricity, business continuity, and proactivity.
The Director General also expressed his gratitude to the UAE’s telecommunication operators (e& and du), underscoring their strategic efforts in working together as a national team in the UAE’s digital transformation journey.
The UAE’s outstanding accomplishments reflect its commitment to achieving the “We the UAE 2031” vision aimed at advancing the country’s economic and digital development and growth.
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The UAE’s Digital Transformation
The UN report also emphasized the TDRA’s efforts in advancing digital transformation, particularly highlighting the “U-Ask” initiative. This unified automated chat platform integrates the power of AI to provide users with smooth access to government services.
Other UAE digital projects include the Federal Network (FedNet) initiative, which enhances digital efficiency by integrating AI, and the UAE pass, a digital national identity platform for government services for citizens, residents, and visitors.
The report launched by UN-DESA is central to recognizing the role of governmental bodies in advancing digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption for sustainable development. This aims to push governments to advance digital transformation by implementing government portals, services, content, and data.
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