The Digital Transformation in the Arab World
2 min
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
Saudi Arabia ranked first among countries for the non-oil exports of national origin with BD201 million (22%)
2 min
Bahrain’s non-oil exports of national origin decreased by 6% to BD894 million ($2.37 billion) in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 64% of the total export value.
According to the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in its Q2 2024 Foreign Trade report, Saudi Arabia was the leading destination for these exports, totaling BD201 million (22%). The US followed with BD75 million (8.4%), and the UAE with BD73 million (8.2%).
Unwrought aluminum alloys were the top exported product in Q2 2024, amounting to BD267 million (30%), followed by agglomerated iron ores and concentrates alloyed at BD159 million (18%) and non-alloyed aluminum wire at BD49 million (5%).
Non-oil re-exports
Non-oil re-exports increased by 4% to reach BD206 million during Q2 2024, compared to BD198 million for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 86% of the re-exported value. The UAE ranked first with BD58 million (28%) followed by Saudi Arabia with BD39 million (19%) and UK with BD17 million (8%).
As per the report, turbo-jets worth BD65 million (32%) were the top product re-exported from Bahrain, followed by private cars with BD11 million (5%) and four-wheel drive with BD9 million (4%).
The value of non-oil imports has decreased by 4% reaching to BD1.41 billion in Q2 2024 in comparison with BD1.47 billion for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries for imports recorded 68% of the total value of imports.
China Bahrain’s biggest importer
China ranked first for imports to Bahrain, with a total of BD191 million (14%), followed by Brazil with BD157 million (11%) and Australia with BD112 million (8%).
Non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates were the top product imported to Bahrain worth BD200 million (14%), followed by other aluminum oxide with BD101 million (7%) and parts for aircraft engines with BD41 million (3%).
As for the trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, the deficit logged was BD310 million in Q2 2024 compared to BD322 million in Q2 2023.
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
