Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead Arab World in E-Government Progress
Seventeen Arab countries were evaluated in a new report released Monday by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which measures progress in digital government services. The 2024 edition of the Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS) found that while regional performance is gradually improving, significant gaps remain.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ranked highest in the region, scoring 96% and 95%, respectively, thanks to sustained government investment in digital transformation. The average maturity score for the region rose slightly to 45%, up from 43% in 2023.
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The GEMS Index, launched in 2019, evaluates the availability, development, and accessibility of 100 public services across key sectors such as education, labor, utilities, and interior affairs. ESCWA said these areas have shown meaningful digital progress. But other sectors, including health and tourism, still lag behind in many countries.
“While some countries have achieved advanced digital capabilities, others are still in early development stages,” said Mohamad Nawar Al-Awa, the project leader for the 2024 report.
The study also flagged accessibility as a growing concern. Most users still rely on desktop portals, while mobile services remain underdeveloped. ESCWA urged governments to improve usability across platforms, especially for users with disabilities.
In addition to tracking service delivery, the GEMS Index also measures user satisfaction and government outreach. The report aims to guide Arab states toward better digital governance and service inclusivity.
