UAE Ranks First in Global Digital Government Report
The UAE has once again positioned itself at the forefront of global innovation. According to the second edition of the State of Digital Transformation Report, the country secured top global rankings in key digital government and telecommunications categories. Released during the Digital Readiness Retreat, the report highlights the UAE’s success in delivering efficient, user-centered digital services while also achieving major cost savings.
The UAE ranked first globally in the UN indices for telecommunications infrastructure, digital government institutional frameworks, and digital content. Additionally, it topped the Digital Knowledge Index and claimed the number one spot in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 by Oxford Insights. These achievements reflect the country’s strong commitment to digital readiness, which Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi—Minister of State for Government Development and the Future—stated is a cornerstone of national leadership strategy.
Major Gains in Services, Sustainability, and Efficiency
Over the past year, the UAE federal government processed an impressive 173.7 million digital transactions. Federal websites recorded 131.5 million visits, while government apps reached 26.3 million downloads. Currently, the government provides 1,419 digital services, including 195 classified as high-priority. More than 57 million users benefit from these services, which boast a satisfaction rate of 91 percent.
Moreover, digital transformation has delivered real economic impact. It resulted in AED368 billion in savings for users and reduced government costs by AED20 billion. Equally important, it saved 530 million labor hours and lowered carbon emissions by 55.8 million tonnes. These outcomes demonstrate how digital tools can enhance not only government performance but also sustainability efforts.
Sector-Wide Digital Impact Across the Nation
The report showcases achievements across 12 sectors. For instance, the healthcare sector filled 2 million prescriptions via robotic pharmacies and conducted 1 million AI-driven chest X-rays. Meanwhile, the education sector served 1.4 million students digitally and processed 445,700 university course enrollments.
In the labor sector, over 13.2 million work permit applications and 8 million employment contracts were handled digitally. The UAE Pass digital ID system now connects 10.8 million users to more than 15,000 services, supporting 2.6 billion digital transactions.
Across justice, culture, and logistics, digital adoption continues to accelerate. In fact, from traffic fines and library memberships to housing assistance and environmental certificates, services are increasingly fast, efficient, and accessible. As the UAE moves forward, its digital-first approach promises to redefine the way governments serve their people.
