The Digital Transformation in the Arab World
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Digital transformation is a key element in the strategic planning of Arab countries focused on preparing for the future and achieving sustainable development based on economic prosperity, social enthusiasm, and distinguished national goals.
Strategic initiatives such as the ‘Saudi Vision 2030,’ ‘Egypt Vision 2030,’ ‘Jordan 2025,’ ‘Oman Vision 2040,’ ‘Morocco 2035,’ and ‘Kuwait 2035’ present a comprehensive and ambitious framework for implementing a wide range of projects in different sectors. However, these initiatives remain subject to continuous enhancement, showcasing their adaptability and capacity for evolution.
At its core, digital transformation refers to the integration and adoption of digital technologies across all work domains, fundamentally altering the operation of various sectors and the way they provide added value.
The Arab Vision for Digital Economy initiated in December 2018 in Abu Dhabi, significantly drove these digital transformation accomplishments, along with the establishment of the Arab Digital University. This comprehensive digital education and professional training platform aims to spread knowledge and science through emerging economies, covering the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa, underscoring education as the foundational support for governments to construct a brighter future for their population.
However, a recent market report unveiled at the World Governments Summit 2024 highlights that one of the major barriers facing government employees is skill acquisition.
Some of the Arab initiatives’ details:
Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the important role of technology and innovation in stimulating economic growth and sectoral advancement, with the National Transformation Programme leading the charge in creating the necessary infrastructure and favourable environment for achieving sustainable economic development through digital innovation.
Digital Egypt initiative, launched in 2018, introduced the ‘Digital Egypt Services’ platform, integrating data from over 100 government databases and offering 170 fully automated services, alongside the Digital Egypt Vision for Cross-Border Services 2022-2026 to push sectoral growth.
Oman Vision 2040 identifies ICT as a key stimulant for economic sectors, backed by the National Programme for the Digital Economy, aimed at developing a robust digital economy contributing significantly to the GDP.
Jordan 2025 The Kingdom has crafted a digital transformation strategy aiming to successfully digitizing over half of its government services by 2025. The nation is on a mission to boost the digital sector’s GDP contribution from the current 9.5% to 15%.
Kuwait Vision 2035 underscores digital transformation, adopting smart technologies to enhance the service quality, economic growth, and life quality, alongside the “Masar” initiative to speed up government sector digital transformation.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Employment grew for the 16th consecutive month as companies expanded.
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According to a recent PMI report, Qatar experienced its fastest non-energy sector growth in almost two years in June, driven by surges in both existing and new business activities.
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) headline figure for Qatar reached 55.9 in June, up from 53.6 in May, with anything above 50.0 indicating growth in business activity. Employment also grew for the 16th month in a row, and the country’s 12-month outlook remained robust.
The inflationary pressures were muted, with input prices rising only slightly since May, while prices charged for goods and services fell, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) report.
This headline figure marked the strongest improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector since July 2022 and was above the long-term trend.
The report noted that new incoming work expanded at the fastest rate in 13 months, with significant growth in manufacturing and construction and sharp growth in other sectors. Despite the rising demand for goods and services, companies managed to further reduce the volume of outstanding work in June.
Companies attributed positive forecasts to new branch openings, acquiring new customers, and marketing campaigns. Prices for goods and services fell for the sixth time in the past eight months as firms offered discounts to boost competitiveness and attract new customers.
Qatari financial services companies also recorded further strengthening in growth, with the Financial Services Business Activity and New Business Indexes reaching 13- and nine-month highs of 61.1 and 59.2, respectively. These levels were above the long-term trend since 2017.
Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, QFC CEO, said the June PMI index was higher than in all pre-pandemic months except for October 2017, which was 56.3. “Growth has now accelerated five times in the first half of 2024 as the non-energy economy has rebounded from a moderation in the second half of 2023,” he said.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
