The UAE has been classified as a “Stand Out” country in 2017 Digital Evolution Index (DEI) released by The World Economic Forum (WEF).
The country garnered an overall score of 3.22, making it the most advanced market in the Arab world and 22nd on a global scale, according to WAM.
Stand Out countries are “highly advanced digitally, and exhibit high momentum”. The UAE, along with New Zealand (14th place with a score of 3.54) and Singapore (6th place with 3.69), 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.
This year, China once again topped the list in terms of momentum (the pace of change in its digital evolution), while the UAE ranked 10th.
“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 the 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.”
