UAE Ranks First Globally In Network Readiness Index According To UN E-Government Survey 2024

The Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has announced that the UAE has achieved remarkable results in several indicators related to government and digital services, as per the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024. This survey highlights the role of governments in accelerating digital transformation and artificial intelligence for sustainable development, aiming to enhance community members' quality of life.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) report reveals that the UAE ranks first globally in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), achieving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, the UAE advanced 34 positions in the Human Capital Index (HCI), moving from 44th to 10th place, securing first place in Asia and the Arab world. This progress reflects significant efforts towards equipping national competencies with skills necessary for navigating rapid digital transformation.

The UAE is among the top-rated countries in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), achieving a score of 95%. The country advanced two places since the previous assessment in 2022, maintaining its position among the world's most developed nations. The report also highlights the UAE's full score in e-government literacy and top scores in content provisioning and institutional framework standards within the Online Service Index (OSI).

Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of TDRA, praised these achievements, stating that they reflect efforts by federal and local government entities. He said, "With these results, the UAE has established a new milestone in its journey towards a brighter future, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, along with the government. Today, we reap the rewards of a track record of efforts and achievements by the minds of the people of this generous country, in order to solidify the foundations of a digital knowledge society and economy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI and other transformative technologies."

He further affirmed that "The UAE's progress in digital government is an outstanding model in integrating human creativity with technology to facilitate people's lives." The government has proactively invested in telecommunications infrastructure over more than two decades. This investment aligns with a forward-looking vision guided by wise leadership directives. Upskilling government cadres has significantly contributed to progress in this vital sector.

Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA, emphasised that developing ICT stems from leadership's vision recognising it as development's backbone. He stated that "When it comes to global competitiveness and sustainable development strategies, the Telecommunication infrastructure Index stands out as one of the most important pillars as it reflects the level of progress of countries in employing future technologies to create the desired future."

Strategic Vision for Future Technologies

He added that being at "the forefront" globally is due to effective strategies and joint efforts. The UAE's systematic digital transformation supports smart cities based on inclusive governance principles. He noted their achievements are not limited to one index but extend across various areas like Human Capital Index and e-government literacy sub-index.

Hanan Mansoor Ahli from FCSC highlighted how UN E-Government Survey results reflect effective digital enablers supporting intergovernmental projects. She remarked on data integration enhancing future technology implementation ensuring readiness for sustainability.

The UN report underscores TDRA's initiatives enhancing digital capabilities through projects like "U-Ask," an AI-based chat platform for seamless e-government service access. Other initiatives include FedNet for improved digital efficiency via AI solutions and "UAE PASS," providing citizens access across local/federal services using a unified identity system.

Since its inception by UN-DESA in 2003, released biennially since then; this survey monitors digital government developments globally aiding decision-makers with reliable analytics/benchmarks covering portals/services/content/e-participation/data regionally/locally aligning standards with SDGs today.

These accomplishments highlight UAE’s commitment towards fostering technological advancements while ensuring sustainable growth through strategic planning/investments benefiting society at large without compromising quality or accessibility standards set forth internationally recognised frameworks guiding such endeavours worldwide today!

With inputs from WAM