A new report from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) evaluates the progress of digital government services in 17 Arab countries, showing gradual improvements but significant gaps remain. The 2024 edition of the Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS) indicates that while regional performance is advancing, many countries still face challenges.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates topped the rankings, scoring 96% and 95%, respectively, thanks to sustained investments in digital transformation. The region’s average score rose slightly to 45%, compared to 43% in 2023. The GEMS Index, launched in 2019, assesses 100 public services across various sectors like education, labor, utilities, and interior affairs, showing meaningful progress in these areas. However, other sectors such as health and tourism still face challenges, with some countries at the early stages of digital development.
Mohamad Nawar Al-Awa, the project leader for the 2024 report, noted, “While some countries have achieved advanced digital capabilities, others are still in early development stages,” pointing to the varying levels of progress in digital government services across the region.
