UAE Sets Global Standard for Human-Centric Digital Transformation

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The UAE is charting a bold path toward digital maturity, powered by a forward-looking policy framework and long-term investments in infrastructure, AI, and human capital. As global governments and businesses seek proven models for large-scale transformation, the UAE is establishing itself as a benchmark—not just in technology adoption, but in strategic, people-centric innovation.

Public and private institutions across the country are increasingly embracing a mindset that places people at the center of the transformation process—viewing citizens and customers as both beneficiaries and active participants. This people-first philosophy is supported by an advanced digital infrastructure and a government-wide push to deliver seamless, anticipatory services.

Global indicators reflect this momentum. In the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, the UAE ranked first worldwide in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, achieving a perfect score of 100%. The country also maintained its leading global position for mobile internet speed, according to the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla, with an average download speed of 546.14 Mbps as of June 2025—significantly outpacing global competitors.

That infrastructure supports real-world outcomes. In 2024, the UAE government completed 173.7 million digital transactions across 1,419 services, serving over 57 million beneficiaries with a satisfaction rate of 91%.

Urban innovation is equally robust. Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth globally, respectively, in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, signaling significant progress in digital public services, smart infrastructure, and citizen-centric design.

In the AI space, the UAE leads the region. It topped the Middle East in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024, published by Oxford Insights, thanks to its advances in data infrastructure, government efficiency, and AI strategy. According to the Interregional Centre for Strategic Analysis in Abu Dhabi, this trajectory is the result of targeted investments in skills, research, and innovation that are pushing the country toward regional leadership in AI.

Experts across industries are aligning with this view. Rasha Abdo, Director of Strategic Client Team for the Middle East and North Africa at Infobip, said the UAE “continues to enhance its global standing in AI and digital transformation.” She noted that topping the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index with a perfect score “directly reflects the strength of its digital networks.”

Highlighting initiatives such as Dubai Government’s 360 Services policy: designed to deliver proactive, integrated, and people-focused services—she emphasized that the UAE is “setting new global standards in digital service delivery across both the public and private sectors.” Abdo added that the UAE’s digital governance framework has become “a leading global model in providing people-first digital services,” particularly in sectors like banking, retail, and healthcare, where AI and automation are embedded at scale.

Amjad Al Sabbagh, Group Vice-President for the Middle East and Africa at Sprinklr, observed that the UAE’s digital ecosystem has evolved beyond simple technology adoption. He said, “The maturity of the UAE’s digital ecosystem has moved beyond the adoption of technologies to creating experiences tailored to individual needs.” According to Al Sabbagh, aspirations now go beyond speed to include “a human dimension and the anticipation of future needs.”

He also noted that designing services and prioritising digital transformation have become key drivers of economic growth in the UAE. “The country’s target to double the digital economy’s contribution to GDP by 2030 aligns with projections that AI will contribute 13.6% to GDP, equivalent to $100 billion,” he said—highlighting how digital innovation is increasingly central to economic diversification and long-term sustainability.

As the UAE moves from connectivity to capability, and from digitization to anticipation, it is proving that long-term vision, cross-sector collaboration, and a deep understanding of user needs are critical ingredients for meaningful digital transformation.