The latest GCC E-Performance Index 2021 findings demonstrate that the six Gulf countries are gradually advancing in their digital transition, though at different degrees of growth. Orient Planet Research (OPR), the market research division of Orient Planet Group (OPG), collaborated with information and communications technology (ICT) specialist and independent consultant Abdul Kader Al Kamli to produce the 2021 survey.

The index revealed that the UAE received top scores on all of its parameters, resulting in an overall score of 67.83.

Saudi Arabia was ranked second with a score of 59.01, followed by Qatar (58.50), Bahrain (57.65), Kuwait (55.10), and Oman (55). “The GCC E-Performance Index 2021 represents the member states' consistent attempts to achieve global leadership and stability in today’s digital age,” said Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director of OPG. Each nation progresses at its rate, using a concerted approach to digital developments in sync with its economic and social development objectives.

Heavy developments are also being made throughout the region in technical infrastructures and next-generation technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics to further promote the countries' respective economic diversification strategies. Such projects are critical if they are to substantially strengthen their non-oil industries and accelerate their sustainability objectives.”

“We could gain useful perspectives from the GCC E-Performance Index 2021 about each country's commitment to transform to the digital age, growth, and possibilities emerging from its digitalization voyage,” Abou Zaki continued.

“The findings would assist decision-makers, regulators, political officials, and company executives in taking the requisite steps to accelerate their digital transformation in line with their development strategies. Their methods should be built in such a way that they become much more successful in today's increasingly integrated and technologically advanced society.”

According to Al Kamli, "The UAE continues to work well in all metrics, as shown by the GCC E-Performance Ranking. This is unsurprising considering its increased digitalization efforts, which are equivalent to the rest of the globe. More from the UAE in terms of digital transformation activities to maintain gains and consolidate its global status can be anticipated. Other GCC member states are forced to step up their game to future-proof themselves and properly plan for the inevitable 4th Industrial Revolution. Broadly speaking, the GCC will continue to be at the frontline of the Arab world's digital journey.”

The study drew attention to the relationship between higher scores and countries with advanced telecommunications networks. Telecommunications-related investments are around the GCC, with more development expectations for the Gulf States information and communications technology (ICT) expenditure.

According to GlobalData, the UAE government's ICT spending is expected to rise at an 8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2019 and 2024. During the period 2019-2024, the very same information and analytics firm forecasted growth in ICT expenditure in Qatar of 9.2 % CAGR, Bahrain of 8.6% CAGR, and Oman of 11.3% CAGR. The situation is similar in neighboring Saudi Arabia, where total ICT investment is expected to hit USD 32.9 billion in 2021, up 1.5 % from 2020, as per an International Data Corporation (IDC) report.