The United Arab Emirates has cemented its position as a global frontrunner in digital infrastructure, achieving remarkable milestones in internet connectivity and technological advancements. According to recent data released by the UAE Digital Economy Council, the nation ranks first globally in fifth-generation (5G) network speeds and boasts a remarkable 100% mobile network coverage.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Council highlighted the UAE’s exceptional performance in digital connectivity, with the adoption rate of the sixth version of the Internet Protocol (IPv6) reaching 50.7% in January 2024. Additionally, the country leads the Middle East in internet exchange traffic, further solidifying its status as a digital hub.
One of the most notable achievements showcased by the Council is the UAE’s dominance in 5G network speeds. The nation emerged as the fastest 5G market globally in the second quarter of 2023, as per Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data. With a median download speed of 557.63 Mbps, the UAE surpassed all other countries in 5G performance. Notably, etisalat by e& claimed the title of the fastest 5G operator globally, boasting a median download speed of 680.73 Mbps.
Furthermore, the Council revealed substantial growth in the adoption of digital signatures, marking a significant 216% increase in 2023. Blockchain technology has also gained traction in the UAE, with participation from nine banks, six exchange houses, and three insurance companies.
Speaking on the UAE’s digital achievements, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized the government’s proactive approach in shaping a pioneering digital economy. Al Olama outlined the UAE’s commitment to leveraging national skills and technological solutions to drive economic diversification and boost non-oil GDP over the next decade.
The UAE government’s initiatives aim to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions, foster innovation, and enhance the nation’s global competitiveness across various sectors. At a meeting of the UAE Council for Digital Economy held at the Securities and Commodities Authority in Dubai, Al Olama underscored the importance of strategic initiatives in supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Key areas of focus discussed during the meeting included digital infrastructure development, e-commerce, financial technologies, and initiatives to stimulate investment in digital sectors. The Council also deliberated on measures to attract and develop digital talent, support SMEs, and enhance digital economy statistics gathering.
Noteworthy advancements in digital services were highlighted, including voice-to-text and text-to-voice conversion, language analysis, and high-performance computing resources for machine learning applications. Additionally, discussions revolved around government service policies, data center distribution, and cloud computing deployment in the Gulf region.
As the UAE continues to lead the way in digital innovation, the nation’s commitment to advancing its digital economy remains unwavering. With a robust digital infrastructure and strategic initiatives in place, the UAE is poised to maintain its position as a global leader in the digital landscape, driving economic growth and prosperity for its citizens.
