UAE Leads Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, Showcasing Investment in Digital Infrastructure

The UAE has achieved the top position in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, a significant recognition announced during the opening of Smooth Middle East 2026 in Dubai. The event, held under the patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, showcased the nation's leadership in digital transformation alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, which also formed part of the highest-performing group.

The index, launched by the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, assesses digital performance across a comprehensive framework. This includes institutions, infrastructure, workforce, digital government, innovation, knowledge and technology, market forces, capital market growth, and sustainable development. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, stated that the UAE's ranking reflects its sustained investment in digital infrastructure, government services, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the knowledge economy.

The findings of the index indicate stronger progress across the Arab world in key areas such as digital infrastructure, government services, and cybersecurity. However, wider gaps were identified in innovation, the data economy, research and development, and the ability to translate digital investment into tangible productivity and economic value. The report emphasises the growing importance of digital sovereignty, with data, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, semiconductors, and cybersecurity becoming critical to countries' economic and institutional capabilities.

Smooth Middle East 2026, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 22nd to 24th, convenes over 25,000 participants, approximately 800 speakers, and 750 exhibitors from various sectors including payments, fintech, banking, digital commerce, retail, identity, and logistics. The event serves as a platform for discussions on emerging technologies and fostering regional cooperation, building on the Arab Digital Economy Vision launched in 2018 in Abu Dhabi and adopted at the Arab leaders' level in 2022.