Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has secured the top spot globally in the Network Readiness Index, as revealed in the 2024 UN E-Government Survey. This prestigious ranking reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation, technological innovation, and smart government services.
The report released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) revealed that the UAE ranked first globally in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), achieving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, the UAE made significant progress in the Human Capital Index (HCI), climbing 34 spots from 44th to 10th place, and securing the top position in Asia and the Arab world.
This achievement highlights the UAE’s extensive efforts to develop national talent and equip its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an era of rapid digital transformation and technological advancements.
The report highlighted that the UAE is among the top-rated nations in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), which serves as a comprehensive framework for various criteria. The UAE achieved a 95% score, advancing two places compared to its previous 2022 ranking, solidifying its position among the world’s most developed countries.
Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of TDRA, praised the results and said that, “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.”
Hanan Mansoor Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), stated that, “The results of the UN E-Government Survey 2024, are considered as a reflection of the effectiveness of digital government enablers, and the efficient telecommunications infrastructure that supports Intergovernmental Integration projects and initiatives. It is also a reflection on the integration of data and statistics, which enhance the implementation of future technologies to ensure government readiness for a sustainable future.”
The UN-DESA launched its “e-Government Survey” report for the first time in 2003, with the intention of releasing it every two years. The survey monitors the development of digital governments and assesses progress across various dimensions of e-governance.
The 2024 UN E-Government Survey underscores the UAE’s role as a leader in the global digital landscape, positioning the nation as a model for others to follow in the realm of technological innovation and governance.