The latest electronic performance index for the GCC countries for the year 2022 revealed that all Gulf countries have performed exceptionally well in five major global indicators, which shows that they have made great progress in terms of digital transformation, reports Al- Qabas daily. Kuwait ranked 51.36 in the index prepared by Orient Planet Research (OPR), in collaboration with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert and independent researcher Abdul Qadir Al Kamali; the UAE achieved an average rating of 66.22, followed by Saudi Arabia 59.26, and Qatar 57.63. Oman and Bahrain scored average ratings of 54.02 and 53.43, respectively.
Performance
The electronic performance index evaluates the countries of the region based on several different criteria that indicate growth, which are based on their performance in the main global indicators. The index also highlights the increasing investment by the GCC countries to integrate the latest technological solutions across various sectors including healthcare, technology, food services, aviation and education. The report notes that the development of information and communication technology in the region has enhanced the digital economy and productivity and created effective means of direct access to government e-services.
Spending
The report indicates an increase in spending by countries in the region on the latest technological solutions to achieve digitally inclusive economies. Kuwait’s spending on information and communication technology is expected to reach $10.1 billion by 2024, while the UAE’s spending will reach $23 billion by 2024, while Qatar’s spending will reach about $9 billion.