Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 88 | Page 28

INFOGRAPHIC

Index reveals strong Digital Transformation efforts by GCC countries

The latest GCC E-Performance Index 2022 reveals that all countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) region have performed exceptionally well on five major global indicators , displaying significant progress in Digital Transformation .

The report was issued by Orient Planet Research ( OPR ), an independent unit of Orient Planet Group ( OPG ), in collaboration with information and communications technology ( ICT ) expert and independent researcher Abdul Kader Al Kamli .
The UAE achieved tangible growth in the GCC E-Performance Index with an average score of 66.22 , followed by Saudi Arabia with an average rating of 59.26 and Qatar with 57.63 . Oman , Bahrain and Kuwait scored average ratings of 54.02 , 53.43 and 51.36 respectively .
The report highlights the increased spending on the latest technological solutions to achieve digitally inclusive economies . According to a recent report , UAE ’ s ICT spending is estimated to reach US $ 23 billion by 2024 , while Qatar ’ s spending will be around US $ 9 billion and Kuwait ’ s spending is predicted to reach US $ 10.1 billion by 2024 .
The GCC countries have increasingly focused on the roles of science and technology in building research development and innovation ( RDI ) capacity to create national innovation systems ( NIS ). The World Economic Forum highlighted the unique set of characteristics of the GCC countries that presents numerous opportunities in leveraging emerging technological solutions to create opportunities .
The introduction of 5G and associated use cases , such as education , health , government and Smart Cities , can help mitigate some regional and local challenges , including natural resource management and economic diversification with a view towards sustainable development and inclusive growth .
Nidal Abou Zaki , Managing Director , Orient Planet Group , said : “ The GCC countries have taken major strides for an overall Digital Transformation . The GCC E-Performance Index 2022 , highlights the preparedness of the GCC nations to strengthen their global position in the evolving digital world . The countries have expanded their digital sectors in the last decade , investing in digital infrastructure , adopting e-government platforms and launching technology parks and business incubators .”
Abdul Kader Al Kamli , ICT expert and independent researcher , added : “ The GCC E-Performance Index reveals the strong position of GCC countries in five top
Left : Abdul Kader Al
Kamli , ICT expert and independent researcher
Right : Nidal Abou Zaki , Managing Director , Orient Planet Group
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