The State of Global and Middle East E-Governance – Statistics and Trends
E-governance, the use of digital technologies to transform and enhance government operations, has become increasingly important worldwide. In the Middle East, governments are recognizing the potential of e-governance to improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and engage citizens more effectively. In this article, we will explore the state of e-governance in the Middle East and highlight the key trends that are shaping the region's digital transformation journey.
1. The Importance of E-Governance
E-governance plays a crucial role in transforming traditional government processes into efficient, citizen-centric digital platforms. It enables governments to streamline administrative procedures, provide online services, and foster collaboration between government entities and citizens. By harnessing the power of technology, e-governance can enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and improve the overall efficiency of public services.
2. Trends in Middle East E-Governance
2.1 Enhanced Service Delivery through Digital Platforms
Governments in the Middle East are increasingly focusing on delivering public services through digital platforms. This includes the development of user-friendly websites, mobile applications, and online portals that provide citizens with easy access to services such as healthcare, education, transportation, and utilities. The aim is to simplify bureaucratic processes, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall user experience.
2.2 Embracing Smart Cities and IoT Solutions
Smart city initiatives are gaining momentum in the Middle East, with governments investing in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to create more sustainable and livable urban environments. IoT sensors and devices are being deployed to monitor and manage various aspects of city life, including traffic flow, energy consumption, waste management, and public safety. These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
2.3 Strengthening Data Security and Privacy
As governments collect and store vast amounts of citizen data, ensuring its security and privacy has become a top priority. The Middle East is witnessing a heightened focus on implementing robust cybersecurity measures and data protection regulations. Governments are investing in secure infrastructure, adopting encryption technologies, and promoting awareness among citizens about the importance of data privacy.
2.4 Promoting Citizen Engagement and Participation
To build trust and foster a sense of ownership among citizens, governments in the Middle East are embracing digital platforms to encourage citizen engagement and participation in decision-making processes. Online feedback mechanisms, social media channels, and e-voting systems are being implemented to gather public opinion, involve citizens in policy discussions, and enhance accountability.
3. Conclusion
The Middle East is undergoing a significant digital transformation in the realm of e-governance. Governments are recognizing the potential of digital technologies to enhance service delivery, promote citizen engagement, and build more efficient and transparent governance systems. By embracing trends such as enhanced service delivery through digital platforms, smart city initiatives, strengthened data security and privacy measures, and citizen engagement tools, the Middle East is poised to harness the full potential of e-governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the benefits of e-governance in the Middle East?
A: E-governance in the Middle East brings numerous benefits, including improved service delivery, enhanced transparency, reduced bureaucracy, and increased citizen engagement and participation in decision-making processes.
Q: How are smart city initiatives transforming the Middle East?
A: Smart city initiatives in the Middle East leverage technologies like IoT to create more sustainable and livable urban environments, enhancing efficiency, promoting sustainability, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Q: What steps are being taken to ensure data security and privacy in e-governance?
A: Governments in the Middle East are investing in secure infrastructure, adopting encryption technologies, and implementing data protection regulations to ensure the security and privacy of citizen data.
Q: How are citizens being engaged in e-governance processes?
A: Digital platforms such as online feedback mechanisms, social media channels, and e-voting systems are being used to encourage citizen engagement, gather public opinion, and involve citizens in policy discussions, ultimately enhancing accountability and transparency.
Q: What is the future outlook for e-governance in the Middle East?
A: The future of e-governance in the Middle East looks promising, with governments continuing to invest in digital technologies and embracing innovative trends to further enhance service delivery, citizen engagement, and overall governance efficiency.
The State of Global and Middle East E-Governance – Statistics
The e-governance in Middle East is Growing with more and more Middle Eastern countries adopting e-governance and implementing them in various government services and departments. Check out our latest infographic to know about the state of E-Governance globally and in countries of the MENA region and the latest e-governance statistics and trends.
| E-government Development Index | 2016 | 2018 |
| Very High EGDI | 29 | 40 |
| High EGDI | 65 | 71 |
| Medium EGDI | 67 | 66 |
| Low | 32 | 31 |
Top E-Governance countries by Global Ranking
| Country | 2018 Ranking | 2016 Ranking |
| Denmark | 1 | 9 |
| Australia | 2 | 2 |
| Republic of Korea | 3 | 3 |
| United Kingdom | 4 | 1 |
| Sweden | 5 | 6 |
| Finland | 6 | 5 |
| Singapore | 7 | 4 |
| New Zealand | 8 | 8 |
| France | 9 | 10 |
| Japan | 10 | 11 |
Number of Counties Providing Online Services to Vulnerable Groups
| Vulnerable Groups | Number of Countries |
| Poor | 120 |
| Immigrants | 125 |
| Older Persons | 128 |
| Persons with disabilities | 128 |
| Women | 135 |
| Youth | 144 |
Top Trends in Transactional service Online
| Service | Offered by number of countries |
| Pay for utilities | 140 |
| Submit income taxes | 139 |
| Apply for Government vacancies online | 129 |
| Register a business | 126 |
| Submit Value added tax | 121 |
| Pay fine | 111 |
| Apply for business license | 104 |
| Apply for Visa | 100 |
| Apply for social protection programs | 91 |
| Apply for a birth certificate | 86 |
| Declare to police | 84 |
| Apply for marriage certificate | 82 |
| Apply for death certificate | 78 |
| Register a motor vehicle | 76 |
| Apply for land title registration | 67 |
| Apply for drivers license | 62 |
| Submit change of address | 61 |
| Apply for personal identity card | 59 |
| Apply for building permit | 58 |
Number of Countries offering archived information by Sector
| Sector | Number of countries |
| Education | 177 |
| Health | 173 |
| Environment | 168 |
| Social Welfare | 166 |
| Labour | 165 |
Middle East Stats
Global E-Governance Rankings of Middle East Countries
| Country | 2018 Ranking | 2016 Ranking |
| United Arab Emirates | 21 | 29 |
| Bahrain | 26 | 24 |
| Kuwait | 41 | 40 |
| Qatar | 51 | 48 |
| Saudi Arabia | 52 | 44 |
| Oman | 63 | 66 |
Top Challenges for Implementing Digital Governance Strategies
| Challenge | %age |
| Lack of awareness in society | 100% |
| Lack of awareness in public sector | 65% |
| Lack of technical skills in public sector | 65% |
| Lack of ICT infrastructure | 65% |
| Lack of political support | 50% |
| Financial issues | 50% |
| Others | 35% |
Top Goals of Implementing Digital Governance Strategies
| Goals | %age |
| Efficiency gains in government operations | 100% |
| Make the public sector more transparent | 75% |
| Enhance data and information management | 75% |
| Develop better services | 75% |
| Improve public sector coordination | 25% |
| Improve public sector agility | 25% |
| Support more inclusive decision making process | 25% |
Top policy areas covered by digital government in MENA region
| Policy Area | %age |
| General Public Services | 100% |
| Health | 85% |
| Education | 85% |
| Social Protection | 65% |
| Public order and Safety | 50% |
