UAE has been positioning itself as a leader in developing and deploying new transformative technologies to boost efficiency, reduce emissions, and accelerate the energy transition. 

And this is reflected in the latest UN technology index that evaluates countries on their readiness to adopt advanced technologies – UAE, moving up five places, was ranked as the top Arab country and the 37th out of 166 on the UN Frontier Technologies Readiness Index 2023.

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said that while the UAE was ranked in the “upper middle” group in 2021, it secured its position in the “high score” group this year. 

The UN Conference on Trade and Development releases this index. It evaluates the countries’ use, adoption, and adaptation of the 17 latest technologies, like artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and biofuels, highlighting their potential economic benefits. 

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, said, “The UN’s Technology and Innovation Report is an important recognition of the UAE’s major role in the international community in the run-up to COP28. It is a testament not only to the ministry’s national industrial strategy, but also to the country’s Net Zero strategic initiative and role as a hub for fostering climate technologies. 

She added, “We look forward to using platforms such as COP28, UAE Climate Tech, and Make it in the Emirates in the coming months to explore opportunities for sharing knowledge, facilitating innovation, and accelerating industrial transformation and climate action alongside our international partners.”

The Boston Consulting Group estimates that spending on digital technologies in the country will reach $ 20 billion. It added that the UAE’s digital economy will contribute around 19.4% to the GDP from the current 9.7% in the next decade. The nation’s digital economy is expected to rise to more than $140 billion in 2031 from the present $38 billion, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s latest report stated.