GCC E-Performance Index 2022 reveals strong digital transformation efforts by GCC countries

GCC E-Performance Index 2022 reveals strong digital transformation efforts by GCC countries

The GCC countries have increasingly focused on the roles of science and technology in building research development and innovation (RDI) capacity to create national innovation systems (NIS). The World Economic Forum highlighted the unique set of characteristics of the GCC countries that presents numerous opportunities in leveraging emerging technological solutions to create opportunities. The introduction of 5G and associated use cases, such as education, health, government and smart cities, can help mitigate some regional and local challenges, including natural resource management and economic diversification, with a view towards sustainable development and inclusive growth.

There have been major developments in the UAE with the recent Al Amal (Hope) Mars mission, which helped raise the profile of technology skills in the GCC. Though the region is still reliant on oil and gas production and exports, countries are making efforts to diversify their economies. S&P Global projected that non-oil GDP in Gulf countries will reach nearly 37 per cent by 2022 as compared to 29.2 percent in 2012.