Business | Technology

UAE performs well in network readiness index

Information and communication technology (ICT) development remains an important component in the growth strategies of countries in the Middle East and the region collectively delivered impressive results in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) of the Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009.

  • WAM
  • Published: 23:31 June 21, 2009
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Information and communication technology (ICT) development remains an important component in the growth strategies of countries in the Middle East and the region collectively delivered impressive results in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) of the Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009. The report was published by the World Economic Forum and Insead.

The report revealed that nearly all countries in the region made it within the top half of the NRI, showing a growing trend wherein countries are leveraging ICT to increase economic prospects and improve global competitiveness.

The UAE has spearheaded the region's strong performance in the NRI as the country has been ranked within the top three from a list of 134 global economies in the category "Importance of ICT to government vision of the future," while placing fifth in "Government prioritisation of ICT," 11th in "Government procurement of advanced technology products" and 32nd in "e-Government Readiness Index." Overall, countries from the GCC led the way among their Middle East peers in the NRI rankings with the UAE at 27th followed by Qatar (29th), Bahrain (37th), Saudi Arabia (40th), Oman (50th) and Kuwait (57th). Jordan was the only non-GCC among the seven top Middle East countries, figuring at number 44 on the rankings.

"The Global Information Technology Report has credited the Middle East for achieving significant gains in network readiness. This certainly is an important development that will further underpin the transformation of the region as a fast-emerging destination for international investors and business organisations. In particular, the rapid ICT development in the GCC has led the remarkable progress that has been seen across the Middle East, and GCC countries certainly deserve credit for their proactive efforts to elevate the level of infrastructure and the regulatory aspects of the IT environment in the region," said Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation.

The NRI 2008-09 was established to assess countries' preparedness to leverage ICT advances for increased competitiveness and development.

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