UAE tops Arab Digital Economy Index 2026

The UAE has ranked first in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, according to WAM.

Organizers announced the results on Tuesday as Seamless Middle East 2026 opened in Dubai. The event began under the patronage of Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

What is the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026?

The Arab Digital Economy Index 2026 measures digital economy performance across 22 regional economies. It covers areas including institutions, infrastructure, workforce, digital government, innovation, knowledge and technology, market forces, capital market growth and sustainable development.

The Arab Federation for Digital Economy developed the index to track progress, identify gaps and set future priorities.

Where was the index announced?

The results were revealed at Seamless Middle East 2026, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from September 22 to 24. The three-day event brings together the payments, fintech, banking, digital commerce, retail, identity and logistics sectors. More than 25,000 participants are attending, along with around 800 speakers and 750 exhibitors.

The opening session drew diplomatic and government representatives from across the Arab world. Delegates from Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Mauritania, Tunisia, Syria, Djibouti and Palestine took part. Russian representatives and officials from international and regional organizations also attended.

UAE government, financial and academic officials joined the session too. Representatives from the finance, energy, customs and economic development sectors were present, along with banks, chambers of commerce and research centers.

Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khouri opened the program with an address. He chairs the Arab Federation for Digital Economy's board and advises the Council of Arab Economic Unity. His remarks were followed by the launch of the index itself.

Officials from the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park and the UAE Banks Federation also spoke. Delegates then toured the exhibition.

Which countries topped the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026?

The UAE led the highest-performing group of countries in the index. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman also placed in that top group. This places the UAE alongside the region's most digitally advanced economies.

A second group of countries showed medium performance levels. This group included Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria. A third group is still building its digital foundations, comprising Lebanon, Mauritania, Iraq, Djibouti, Comoros, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.

What did the index reveal about the Arab digital economy?

The results pointed to stronger progress in digital infrastructure, government services and cybersecurity across the Arab world. Gaps remained wider in innovation, the data economy, research and development. Countries also struggled to convert digital investment into productivity and economic value.

Al-Khouri said the latest index places digital sovereignty at the center of discussions on the future of Arab economies. He noted that data, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, semiconductors and cybersecurity are becoming more important to countries' economic and institutional capabilities.

On the UAE's ranking, he said it reflects years of sustained investment in digital infrastructure, government services, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the knowledge economy. He described the UAE as a leading model for building an innovation-driven economy.

What did officials say about the Arab Digital Economy Vision?

Al-Khouri thanked the UAE for supporting the development of the Arab digital economy. He expressed appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for supporting the Arab Digital Economy Vision. He said this support has helped advance joint Arab action in the sector.

He also praised Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan's continued support. Al-Khouri said his role has helped turn several Arab initiatives into practical programs, platforms and projects.

The Arab Digital Economy Vision launched in Abu Dhabi in 2018, supported and patronized by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Arab leaders adopted the vision in 2022 as a framework for regional cooperation in the digital economy and technological transformation.

What happens next at Seamless Middle East 2026?

Seamless Middle East 2026 continues through Thursday at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event features discussions on fintech, digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

It brings together government entities, financial institutions, technology companies, investors and experts from the region and beyond.