UAE ranked among top ‘network-ready’ nations

RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business

As ‘digital’ becomes a global trend and experts point towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, UAE has emerged as a leader representing this transition. The latest Global Information Technology Report 2016 by World Economic Forum ranks UAE among top 30 countries in terms of Networked Readiness Index (NRI), making the visionary efforts of the nation visible to
the world.
According to the report, ranked at number 26, UAE leads the Arab world in the network readiness and hence digital transformation. The report features the latest iteration for the NRI which represents a key tool in assessing countries’ preparedness to reap the benefits of emerging technologies and capitalize on opportunities presented by digital transformation.
Reacting upon the above, Rashid Soumani, a former educationist and a social analyst by profession, who has lived in UAE since last 15 years, told Emirates Business, “This is encouraging news. NRI is a comprehensive assessment method and if it is ranking UAE 26th that means country is moving towards a holistic digital development. As digital transformation is becoming important, staying ahead of the curve is becoming important for business survival. UAE has shown exceptional leadership qualities in this field and the WEF ranking is a testimony to that.”
“The fourth industrial revolution that the report talks about is indicating that we are moving towards a new set of systems which are being built in infrastructure of
digital revolution. Seeing UAE
leading this movement is a proud movement for everyone living in UAE during these contributing years,” he added.
It is notable that after UAE, Qatar leads the Arab region in networked readiness at the rank of 27. Also, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) region is home to two biggest movers in the list of ranking this year.
The report states, “Kuwait at 66 and Lebanon at 81 both the countries have jumped 11 ranks from the last year list. The business community in both countries is registering an increased weight on ICT (information and communication technology) in government vision and efforts to improve regulatory environment.”
Moreover, business adoption
and economic impact of ICTs have been improving in UAE in past
few years making it easier for the country to move towards its goal of becoming knowledge –based economy by 2021.
“The UAE government is leading the way to greater digital connectivity, providing a consistent vision for the sector and achieving success at promoting it. Individual
usage has also further improved especially in mobile broadband
subscriptions and household
with internet access,” the report further states.