UAE leads Gulf states in Arab Digital Economy Index 2026

The UAE has secured the top position in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, reflecting its continued investment in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven economic development.

The results were announced on Tuesday during the opening of Seamless Middle East 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, held under the patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Supreme President of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy.

Running from September 22 to 24, the event brings together more than 25,000 participants, approximately 800 speakers, and 750 exhibitors from the payments, fintech, banking, digital commerce, retail, identity, and logistics sectors.

The index evaluates the digital economy performance of Arab countries across several areas, including digital infrastructure, government services, workforce development, innovation, technology, capital market growth, and sustainable development.

The UAE topped the highest-performing group, which also included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria were placed in the second group, representing countries with medium levels of digital economy performance.

Meanwhile, Lebanon, Mauritania, Iraq, Djibouti, Comoros, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen were classified in the third group, comprising countries working to strengthen their digital foundations.

The findings highlight progress across the Arab world in digital infrastructure, government services, and cybersecurity. However, challenges remain in innovation, the data economy, research and development, and translating digital investment into productivity and economic value.

Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy and Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity, said the latest edition of the index places digital sovereignty at the centre of discussions surrounding the future of Arab economies.

He highlighted the growing importance of data, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, semiconductors, and cybersecurity in strengthening countries’ economic and institutional capabilities.

Commenting on the UAE’s position, Al-Khouri attributed its performance to years of sustained investment in digital infrastructure, government services, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the knowledge economy.

He said these efforts have positioned the country as a model for developing an innovation-driven economy capable of translating technological advancements into greater productivity and economic value.

Al-Khouri also acknowledged the UAE’s role in advancing regional digital transformation, expressing appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support of the Arab Digital Economy Vision.

He further highlighted the continued support of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan in translating regional digital initiatives into practical programmes, platforms, and projects.

Launched in Abu Dhabi in 2018, the Arab Digital Economy Vision was adopted by Arab leaders in 2022 as a framework to strengthen regional cooperation on digital transformation and economic development.

The Arab Digital Economy Index forms part of the federation’s efforts to measure digital progress, identify development gaps, and establish future priorities across the region.

Meanwhile, Seamless Middle East 2026 continues with three days of discussions on fintech, digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

The event brings together government entities, financial institutions, technology companies, investors, and industry experts to explore the technologies and innovations shaping the region’s digital economy.