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United Arab Emirates

Overview

:
Digital Infrastructure
Digital Capabilities
Digital Policy and Governance
Digital Finance
ICT Core Business
Industry Digital Transformation
Digital Innovation
Digital for Health and Education
Digital for Work and Training
Digital for Social Inclusion
Digital for Sustainability
Nascent
Emerging
Transitioning
Advanced
Frontier

Dimensions:

  • Digital Enablers
  • Digital Business
  • Digital Society
2025 DEN Survey
Key survey findings
United Arab Emirates Facts
Background country data

Digital Enablers

The pillars that comprise the Digital Enablers dimension are foundational to digital economy maturity: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Capabilities, Digital Policy and Governance, and Digital Finance.

Digital Infrastructure icon Digital Infrastructure
DEN Average: 67.00
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital Capabilities icon Digital Capabilities
DEN Average: 62.70
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital Policy and Governance icon Digital Policy and Governance
DEN Average: 70.20
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital Finance icon Digital Finance
DEN Average: 64.80
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
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Digital Business

The Digital Business dimension pillars are ICT Core Business, Industry Digital Transformation and Digital Innovation. 

ICT Core Business icon ICT Core Business
DEN Average: 58.70
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Industry Digital Transformation icon Industry Digital Transformation
DEN Average: 62.90
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital Innovation icon Digital Innovation
DEN Average: 51.30
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
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Digital Society

The Digital Society dimension includes the pillars related to the digital aspects of Health and Education, Work and Training, Social Inclusion and Sustainability. 

Digital for Health and Education icon Digital for Health and Education
DEN Average: 69.10
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital for Work and Training icon Digital for Work and Training
DEN Average: 65.40
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital for Social Inclusion icon Digital for Social Inclusion
DEN Average: 75.50
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
Digital for Sustainability icon Digital for Sustainability
DEN Average: 61.30
0 50 60 70 80 100
Digital Maturity Level:
to
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AI and Emerging Digital Technologies

AI and Emerging Digital Technologies is one of the cross-cutting areas new to the DEN in 2025, pulling together a mix of new measurements being established as new technologies find footing and indicators from the Digital Enablers and Digital Business related to technology Usage, Skills, Governance, and Research.

Score
(0–100, 100 is best)
Country results
DEN average
Indicator
Data
High-Performance Computing Resources 2
Defined as computing systems that have exceptional processing power, memory capacity, and speed, enabling them to perform complex calculations and simulations at high levels of performance. High-performance computing resources are ranked based on the LINPACK benchmark, which measures the floating-point computing power of a system by solving a dense system of linear equations. | Source: TOP500 (top500.org/lists/top500/2025/06)
DEN Average: 0.6
0 High-Performance Computers (HPCs) 3
per PPP$ GDP (tn, rescaled, logarithm)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
High-Performance Computing Total Capacity 2
Defined as the maximum capacity for complex processing by high-performance computing | Source: TOP500 (top500.org/lists/top500/2025/06)
DEN Average: 4.5
0 Tera-Floating Point Operations per second (TFLOPs) 14
per PPP$ GDP (tn, rescaled, logarithm)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Education System to Teach Digital and Technological Skills 2
In your country, how well does the current education system meet the skills needs of a competitive economy? Digital and technology skills [1 = Not at all; 7 = To a great extent] | Source: World Economic Forum (WEF) Executive Opinion Survey [EOS] (centres.weforum.org/centre-for-new-economy-and-society/executive-opinion-survey)
DEN Average: 4.2
1 Score (WEF Executive Opinion Survey) 7
out of 7
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Frequency of (Gen)AI usage by individuals 1
DEN 2025 Survey Q20: In the past 12 months, how frequently have you used Artificial Intelligence, including generative AI chatbots (e.g. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, DeepSeek, Grok, or others)? Range from "Never as I don’t have access" to "Every day"
DEN Average: 2.9
0 Highest score = Most Frequent Usage of Gen(AI) 5
average of survey respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Verifying News from Online Sources 1
DEN 2025 Survey Q21: Do you verify the news and information you find online (including both from news websites, social media and output from generative AI chatbots)? Range from Never to Always
DEN Average: 1.7
0 Highest score = Most Times Online Sources are Verified 3
average of survey respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Utilization of IoT devices
DEN Average: 0.5
0 Highest score = All 1
% of survey respondents who used Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Cryptocurrency Adoption 2
The Crypto Adoption Index asseses grassroots cryptocurrency adoption across countries by analyzing on-chain activity, peer-to-peer exchange volume, and usage adjusted for purchasing power and internet access. The overall index score reflects the relative level of crypto engagement among the general population. | Source: ChainAnalysis (chainalysis.com/blog/2024-global-crypto-adoption-index/#index-methodology)
DEN Average: 10.0
0 Composite Score from Crypto Adoption Index 100
out of 100, where 100 means the most adoption across crypto uses
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
AI Training at Work
DEN Average: 1.4
0 Highest score = Most Appropriately Training to Use AI at Work 2
average of survey respondents (highest=most appropriate trained to use AI at work)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Strength of AI Governance 2
Score from the Responsible AI Governance dimension of the Global Index on Responsible AI, measuring the extent to which a country has established and implements policies, frameworks, and oversight mechanisms to ensure the safe, transparent, accountable, and rights-respecting development and use of artificial intelligence. Captures elements such as a national AI policy, impact assessments, human oversight, responsibility and accountability, proportionality and non-harm principles, public procurement standards, transparency and explainability, access to remedy, and the safety, accuracy, and reliability of AI systems. | Source: International Development Research Centre (IDRC) (global-index.ai/methodology)
DEN Average: 30.8
0 Composite Score from Global Center on AI Governance 100
out of 100
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Public Outlook on AI
DEN Average: 0.8
0 Highest score = Most Positive Perspective of AI 2
average of survey respondents (highest=most positive perspective of AI as beneficiary force)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Emerging Technologies Governance in Healthcare 2
Indicator from Pillar 3 of the Digital Health Monitor; a maturity assessment for protocols, policies, frameworks or accepted processes governing the use of AI within health systems, services and applications, particularly in relation to ethics, equity, safety, data integrity and quality of care | Source: World Health Organization (WHO) (monitor.digitalhealthmonitor.org/indicators_info#Legislation,_Policy,%20and%20Compliance)
DEN Average: 0.1
1 Composite Score from Digital Health Monitor 5
out of 5, where 5 means most novel, comprehensive stage
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Journal Publications in the Field of Computer Science 2
Refers to articles and research papers published in academic journals dedicated to topics in the field of computer science and related sub-fields. | Source: Scimago Journal and Country Rank (scimagojr.com/countryrank.php)
DEN Average: 3.6
0 Journal Publications per PPP$ GDP 6
journal publications per PPP$ GDP (bn, rescaled, logarithm)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Scientific Publications on Frontier Technologies 2
Refers to articles and research papers published in academic journals dedicated to topics in the field of frontier technologies. | Source: SCOPUS (elsevier.com/products/scopus/data#2-scopus-apis)
DEN Average: 2.4
0 Scientific Publications per PPP$ GDP 5
scientific publications per PPP$ GDP (bn, rescaled,logarithm)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
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Gender Equality

Gender Equality is one of the cross-cutting areas new to the DEN in 2025. By pulling together all of the DEN indicators related to gender gap, the Gender Equality cross-cutting area provides a lens to understand progress toward gender parity.

Score
(0–100, 100 is best)
Country results
DEN average
Indicator
Data
Share of Female ICT Graduates 2
Defined as the total number of female university graduates who have completed ICT programs during their education. Expressed as a share of total tertiary education graduates. | Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (http://data.uis.unesco.org)
DEN Average: 3.4
0 % of Tertiary Education Graduates 20
% of tertiary education graduates
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Booking a Doctor Consult Online: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q5: In the last 12 months, have you used any of the following online healthcare services: Online booking system to schedule a medical appointment? If Yes, asked: How satisfied are you with the service? Range from Very dissatisfied to Very satisfied. No answers were asked Why have you not used this service? Range from I did not need to use it to The service is too complicated to use.
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents who booked a doctor consult online
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Participating in a Remote Interaction with a Doctor: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q5: In the last 12 months, have you used any of the following online healthcare services: Remote medical consultation (e.g. via telephone, video conferencing, or other communications media)? If Yes, asked: How satisfied are you with the service? Range from Very dissatisfied to Very satisfied. No answers were asked Why have you not used this service? Range from I did not need to use it to The service is too complicated to use.
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents who had remote interaction with doctor
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digital Access to Education: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q7: In the last 12 months, to what extent, if any, have digital technologies allowed you to access study courses? Range from Not at all to Completely
DEN Average: 1.0
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Access to Online Resources to Study Effectively: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q7: In the last 12 months, to what extent, if any, do you have access to the technical resources you need to perform your studies effectively? Range from Not at all to Completely
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digital Training for Studies: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q7: In the last 12 months, to what extent, if any, do you feel appropriately trained to use digital technologies to study? Range from Not at all to Completely
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digitally-enabled Access to Employment Opportunities: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q7: In the last 12 months, to what extent, if any, have digital technologies allowed you to access employment/study courses? Range from Not at all to Completely
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Online Work-related Training: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q8: In the last 12 months, have you engaged in any online course leading to a certificate or formal degree? Yes, No, Not applicable
DEN Average: 1.10
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digitalization of the Workplace: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q7: In the last 12 months, to what extent, if any, has your employer been introducing new digital technologies into the workplace? Range from Not at all to Completely
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digital Training at Work: Gender Gap 1
Gender difference in responses to DEN 2025 Survey Q7: In the last 12 months, to what extent, if any, do you feel appropriately trained to use digital technologies to work? Range from Not at all to Completely
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Gender Gap of Basic ICT Skills
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Connection with Family and Friends: Gender Gap
DEN Average: 1.00
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Meeting New People: Gender Gap
DEN Average: 0.90
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digital Social Activism: Gender Gap
DEN Average: 0.90
0.85 Ratio, highest score = 1-to-1 parity 1
ratio of female to male respondents
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
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Cross-border Flows

The Cross-border Flows cross-cutting area is new in DEN 2025. It brings together indicators from Digital Enablers and Digital Business related to provide insight into country's ability to access and participate in the global commerce.

Score
(0–100, 100 is best)
Country results
DEN average
Indicator
Data
Number of Internet Exchange Points 2
Defined as the physical infrastructure that allows different internet service providers to exchange internet traffic between their networks. Internet exchange points (IXPs) can reduce the cost and latency of internet connectivity by keeping local traffic local instead of routing it through international links. | Source: PeeringDB (peeringdb.com/advanced_search)
DEN Average: 0.3
0 IXPs 2
per million people (rescaled, logarithm)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Foreign Labor Recruitment 2
In your country, to what extent can companies find people with the skills required to fill their vacancies by hiring foreign labour? [1 = Not at all; 7 = To a great extent] | Source: World Economic Forum (WEF) Executive Opinion Survey [EOS] (centres.weforum.org/centre-for-new-economy-and-society/executive-opinion-survey)
DEN Average: 4.2
1 Score (WEF Executive Opinion Survey) 7
out of 7
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Tariffs on ICT Goods 2

Defined as the average estimated tariffs of importing into a given country. Tariff data available is uniquely based on the minimum rates applied by the importing country, i.e., Most-Favored Nation (MFN): the lowest non-discriminatory rates countries apply under WTO rules. | Source: International Trade Centre (ITC) [TradeMap] (trademap.org)
DEN Average: 4.3
0 % of Value (for most-favored nation) 20
% average tariff, lower is better
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Other Barriers to ICT Goods Trade 2
Defined as the count of all non-tariff measures (NTMs) on digitally-enabled goods by country. NTMs consists of those such as: anti-dumping [ADP], countervailing, safeguards, technical barriers to trade, quotas, and export subsidies. Measures in effect at the time of data collection, whether bilateral or applied to all countries. | Source: World Trade Organization (WTO) (i-tip.wto.org/goods/Forms/MemberView.aspx?mode=modify&action=search)
DEN Average: 36.4
0 Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) 500
NTMs, lower is better
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Medium and High-tech Exports 2
Defined as the percentage of merchandise exports that are classified as medium and high-technology products. Medium and high-technology products are products with high RandD intensity, such as aerospace, computers, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, and electrical machinery. Expressed as percentage of total manufactured exports. | Source: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) (stat.unido.org/data/download?dataset=cip)
DEN Average: 39.8
0 % of Manufactured Exports 100
% of manufactured exports
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
ICT Goods Imports 2
Defined as the percentage of total merchandise imports that are classified as information and communication technology (ICT) goods. ICT goods include telecommunications equipment, computers and peripheral equipment, electronic components, audio and video equipment, and other ICT goods. Expressed as percentage of total merchandise trade. | Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.IctGoodsShare)
DEN Average: 7.1
0 % of Merchandise Trade 100
% of merchandise trade
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Net ICT Services Exports 2
Defined as the value of exports minus the value of imports in the ICT services, in current US dollars. ICT services include computer and information services, telecommunications services, and other information services. Expressed as percentage of total service trade. | Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TradeServCatTotal)
DEN Average: 4.0
0 % of Service Trade 100
% of service trade
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Customs Online Service Portal (single window) 2
Is there a Customs online service portal (single window)? 0= No, 1= Implementation in progress, 2= Yes (in use) | Source: World Bank (WB) (worldbank.org/en/programs/govtech/gtmi)
DEN Average: 1.8
0 0=Monopoly, 1= In progress, 2= Operational 2
out of 2
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Presence of Restrictions to Digitally-delivered Services Trade 2
Composite indicator from the Services Trade Restrictiveness Index of the WTO, the share-weighted sum of policy restrictions across five policy areas: foreign entry, movement of people, barriers to competition, regulatory transparency, and “other discriminatory measures”, for each digitally-delivered service sector in a country (Mode 1). An STRI of 100 means that the subsector/mode is completely closed to foreign services and service suppliers. | Source: World Trade Organization (WTO) (itip-services-worldbank.wto.org/STRIDashboard.aspx)
DEN Average: 62.1
0 Composite Score: Services Trade Restrictiveness Index 100
out of 100, lower is better
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
Digitally-delivered Services Exports 2
Defined as the (estimated) amount of services exports traded through computer networks, such as the Internet, apps, emails, voice and video calls, and digital intermediation platforms. Expressed as percentage of the country's GDP. | Source: World Trade Organization (WTO) (wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/gstdh_digital_services_e.htm)
DEN Average: 1.4
0 % of USD$ GDP 5
% of USD$ GDP (logarithm)
Imputed results are calculated using a data-driven algorithm based on the nearest neighbor approach. See methodology for full details.
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2025 DEN Survey

As part of the expansion of the DEN in 2025, the DCO and Horizon conducted a survey of more than 41,000 respondents across the 80 DEN countries. Below are a selection of 2025 survey results for this country.

1/7

In the last 12 months, have you used a digital device to engage in any of the following activities?

% of survey respondents who reported Yes; Respondents could choose more than one.

 %
Stay connected with family, friends and colleagues
 %
Meet new people
 %
Partake in culture or entertainment
 %
Engage with or organize social activism
2/7

Would you give up all Internet access in your PERSONAL life for one year (including all Wi-Fi, mobile data, Internet cafes, etc.) if you were financially compensated?

Survey respondents could select a minimum financial compensation they would be willing to take including at least one month's salary, six month's salary, a year's salary, two year's salary, or none if they were unwilling (or N/A if it did not apply)

 % Not consider it, even if offered 2 year's salary
3/7

Would you give up all Internet access in your PROFESSIONAL life for one year (including all Wi-Fi, mobile data, Internet cafes, etc.) if you were financially compensated?

Survey respondents could select a minimum financial compensation they would be willing to take including at least one month's salary, six month's salary, a year's salary, two year's salary, or none if they were unwilling (or N/A if it did not apply)

 % Not consider it, even if offered 2 year's salary
4/7

In the last 12 months, have you used any of the following digital services, as offered by your government?

% of survey respondents who reported Yes; Respondents could choose more than one.

Online Payment of Government Taxes, Bills, or Fees
Online Permitting Applications
Digital Licensing Requests
Online Public Records Requests
Waste and Recycling Online Inquiries
5/7

In which areas did digital technologies have the greatest impact on your life?

% of survey respondents who reported Yes; Respondents could choose more than one.

Access to knowledge
Access to banking or finance
Access to education
Social connections
Access to job / work opportunities
Access to government services
Improved personal health
Opportunities for entrepreneurship
Contributing to society
Environmental sustainability
6/7

What are the main barriers preventing you from taking fuller advantage of digital opportunities?

% of survey respondents who reported Yes; Respondents could choose more than one.

Concerns about online security, privacy
Distrust of online financial services
Insufficient funds to invest in digital opportunities
Lack of digital skills, knowledge
Lack of time to learn new digital tools
Language barriers on digital platforms
Lack of appropriate devices, software
Complex regulations, bureaucracy
Limited internet speed, reliability
Lack of access to digital platforms
7/7

Do you see Artificial Intelligence as a positive or negative force for your country’s economy?

  Very negative
  Somewhat negative
  Neither negative or positive
  Somewhat positive
  Very positive
  Both positive & negative

Country Facts

Region
Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan
Income group
High income
Population (millions)
9.4
Gross Domestic Product
(US$ billions 2024)
$701.0
Internet users
(% of population 2024)
100.0%
DCO Member
No
G20 Member
No
Land-locked Developing Country (LLDC)
No