The UAE topped the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, with the assessment highlighting regional gains in infrastructure, digital government and cybersecurity.
The index placed Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman alongside the UAE in its highest-performing group. Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria were classified in the medium-performance group, while 11 countries remained focused on building digital foundations.
The index assesses economies across institutions, infrastructure, workforce, digital government, innovation, knowledge and technology, market forces, capital-market development and sustainable development.
It found stronger regional progress in digital infrastructure, government services and cybersecurity, but identified wider gaps in innovation, the data economy, research and development, and converting digital investment into productivity and economic value.
The results were announced as Seamless Middle East 2026 opened at Dubai World Trade Centre, running from Sept. 22 to 24 with more than 25,000 participants, about 800 speakers and 750 exhibitors.
The event brings together sectors including fintech, digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
