UAE among most digitally advanced markets in Arab world

Dubai - The UAE, along with New Zealand and Singapore, were the only three nations classified in the 'Stand Out' category of the 2017 Digital Evolution Index, with an overall score of 3.22

The UAE has been named as a "Stand out" country in the World Economic Forum 2017 Digital Evolution Index with an overall score of 3.22, making it the most advanced country in the Arab world and 22nd in the world.
The UAE, along with New Zealand and Singapore, were the only three nations classified in this category, given their leading role in driving innovation and building on their existing advantages in efficient and effective ways. Stand Out countries are "highly advanced digitally, and exhibit high momentum."
China topped the list of countries in terms of momentum - the pace of change in its digital evolution - with the UAE coming in 10th place.
"The UAE has come a long way since our leadership first launched the Dubai Plan 2021 and the Dubai Smart City Strategy," noted Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, director-general of Smart Dubai Office. "The strategies, projects and initiatives that have been implemented in the emirates - and Dubai, in particular - brought together all the necessary ingredients to create the incredible momentum that catapulted the country to the high ranks of the World Economic Forum's classification.
"We have a responsibility now to continually sustain this momentum over time, using innovation and a future-oriented outlook to galvanise further expansions. Setting our sights firmly on the future, as directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the engine that will drive us forward as we work to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world," said Dr Aisha.

The Nordic countries and Switzerland topped the rankings again this year, with Norway and Sweden coming in first and second place with scores of 3.79, followed by Switzerland with 3.74. Denmark and Finland came in fourth and fifth place respectively, with scores of 3.72.
The toppers' list
Five Arab countries made to the top 60, with the UAE leading the pack, followed by Saudi Arabia in 31st place with a score of 2.80, Jordan in 40th with 2.41, Morocco in 50th with 2.12, Egypt in 54th with 1.74, and Algeria in 57th with 1.64.
"Being recognised by the World Economic Forum's Digital Evolution Index 2017 is a testament to Smart Dubai's efforts - among many other nation-wide players - to hone and develop the city's and the country's digital skillset," said Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data Establishment. "It is especially rewarding for us, as a data-focused entity, to see the UAE ranked among the "Stand Out" countries, especially in light of the index's newly devised analysis of digital trust, which takes into account the trustworthiness of the digital environment and the quality of users' experience - both key criteria for us in initiatives such as Dubai Pulse or the Smart Dubai Platform."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com