Arab region shows progress in digital gov't services: report

BEIRUT, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Arab region has made progress in digital government service delivery, according to a report released Monday by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

The "2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index" (GEMS 2024) assesses the maturity of e-government services across 17 Arab countries. The annual assessment focuses on three core dimensions: service availability and development, user satisfaction and uptake, and government outreach efforts.

The latest findings show that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lead the region, with maturity scores of 96 percent and 95 percent, respectively, reflecting strong investments and policy commitments to digital transformation.

The regional average maturity score rose modestly to 45 percent in 2024, up from 43 percent the previous year. The ESCWA says this reflects gradual improvements in the efficiency and quality of digital services offered by public institutions.

However, the report also highlights widening disparities. "While some countries have achieved advanced digital capabilities, others are still in early development stages," said Mohamad Nawar Al-Awa, project leader for the GEMS 2024.

ESCWA's report shows strong performance in digital services across the education, labor, utilities, and interior sectors. By contrast, health and tourism services remain underdeveloped in many countries.

The study also calls attention to accessibility challenges. While online portals remain the primary means for service access, the report urges governments to expand mobile platforms and improve usability for persons with disabilities.

First introduced in 2019, the GEMS Index evaluates 100 essential public services, offering Arab governments a framework to measure and enhance digital service maturity. ■