Dubai: The UAE stands tall in the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2023, outshining other Arab nations. The announcement was made during the eighth Knowledge Summit at the Dubai World Trade Centre, themed 'Knowledge Cities and the Fifth Industrial Revolution.'
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) unveiled the Arab countries' rankings in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A pivotal panel discussion emphasized the partnership's significance for building knowledge cities amidst the evolving landscape of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
In the GKI 2023, covering 133 countries and 12 Arab states, the UAE claimed the top spot. Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia secured the second and third positions, respectively. This ranking reflects the UAE's outstanding achievements, particularly in knowledge infrastructure.
The GKI 2023 highlighted the UAE's strengths, showcasing prowess in mobile broadband subscriptions, educational attainment, entrepreneurial employee activity and ICT skills. These factors signify the UAE's excellence in internet accessibility, education, human resources, communications and information.
Qatar, securing the second position, demonstrated strengths across various fields, emphasizing research and development, education and human resources. The country excelled in metrics like GERD per researcher and unemployment rates with advanced education, showcasing a diverse skill set.
Saudi Arabia showcased robust performance in diverse domains, particularly in ICT, cluster development, innovation and internet-related sectors. High ICT skills, cluster development and innovative business growth highlight the Kingdom's strength in information and communications technology.
In the GKI 2023, Kuwait reached the fourth position with strengths in industry, service value-added, broadband internet traffic, pupil-teacher ratio and vulnerable employment ratio. Egypt's strengths focused on higher education, production and research. Remarkable female-to-male teacher ratios, market concentration and research citations marked Egypt's vision for educational and research excellence.
Morocco exhibited strengths in poverty headcount ratio, industrial design applications, percentage of researchers and government expenditure on education. These indicators signal promising prospects for the industrial, research and educational sectors.
The Global Knowledge Index, with its seven sub-indices, assesses six pivotal knowledge sectors and an Enabling Environment sub-index. This tool provides valuable insights into the challenges of sustainable and knowledge-based development globally.