Al-Badawi: GCC Countries Strengthen Their Global Standing in Digital Transformation

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Bedaiwi said on Wednesday that, amid the rapid technological transformations sweeping the world and the broad horizons opened up by the digital revolution and artificial intelligence for economies and societies, Gulf countries continue to consolidate their global standing in digital transformation, relying on ambitious strategic visions and targeted investments in infrastructure and advanced technologies, the development of government services, and the cultivation of national capabilities.

This statement came during Al-Bedaiwi’s address at the 10th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Digital Government, held under the chairmanship of Bahraini Police Chief Major General Tariq Al-Hasan and attended by members of the committee, including State Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture Omar Al-Omar.

The Secretary-General noted that these efforts have yielded noticeable progress for GCC countries in international indicators. The GCC average for the World Bank’s Government Technology Maturity Index rose from approximately 65 points in 2020 to 88 out of 100 in 2025, surpassing the global average of around 59 points. Meanwhile, GCC countries scored approximately 90 out of 100 on the Digital Government Services Delivery Index, compared to a global average of around 66 points.

He clarified that this reflects the progress achieved by GCC countries in digital transformation, enhancing the efficiency of government services, improving the business environment, and boosting economic competitiveness. These results not only demonstrate the scale of achievements but also confirm that GCC countries currently possess the expertise, resources, and institutional capacities necessary to advance to a more mature stage in the GCC’s digital integration journey.

In the same context, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of the Guiding Strategy for E-Government in GCC Countries for the period (2024–2030) and the GCC Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the period (2026–2030), which have been presented to the Ministerial Committee for Digital Government for approval to guide efforts, define common priorities, and enhance coordination and integration among GCC digital projects.

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Digital Government Committee for their continuous efforts, which have contributed to elevating GCC cooperation in this field and advancing it toward broader horizons of integration, innovation, and global leadership.