Digital Policy Framework Arab States was unveiled by UNDP and Ooredoo as a regional blueprint to fast-track digital inclusion and AI readiness. Announced at GSMA Mobile World Congress–Doha 2025, it gives governments a structured way to assess maturity and prioritise reforms.
Centred on connectivity, data governance and AI preparedness, the framework targets usage gaps while boosting accountable growth.
The plan underpins public–private collaboration and attracts investment to expand secure, affordable digital services across the region.
Digital Policy Framework for Arab States: What You Need to Know
- A regional roadmap aligning policy, investment and skills to scale inclusion, trust and AI readiness.
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Digital Policy Framework Arab States
The Digital Policy Framework for Arab States sets out a coherent roadmap to tackle uneven digital progress and close usage gaps. Government e-service use reached about 45% in 2024, signalling momentum but persistent divides.
With the Digital Policy Framework for Arab States, policymakers can benchmark readiness, align stakeholders and sequence reforms that expand access, affordability and quality.
Why the region needs this framework
Estimates indicate artificial intelligence could add USD 21–35 billion annually to GCC economies, equivalent to roughly 1.7–2.8% of non‑oil GDP.
The Digital Policy Framework for Arab States is designed to unlock this value safely and fairly by strengthening the enabling environment for innovation and the AI Readiness Arab Region agenda.
Progress remains uneven, demanding targeted interventions so benefits reach citizens and businesses across all Arab States, much like regional initiatives such as the Arabic AI customer experience platform.
Three pillars for inclusive, responsible growth
The Digital Policy Framework for Arab States focuses on three interlinked pillars:
- Connectivity and infrastructure:Â Close coverage and affordability gaps, upgrade network quality and enable inclusive access to essential services. Guidance helps identify investments with the highest socio-economic impact, complementing learnings from 5G in Africa and analyses of 5G cybersecurity risks and opportunities.
- Trust and data governance: Build interoperable, accountable, rights-respecting policies to drive adoption and protect users. The framework prioritises privacy, security and ethical data use.
- National AI preparedness: Strengthen policy, skills and institutions for safe, beneficial AI. The AI Readiness Arab Region effort focuses on responsible deployment, risk management and capability-building, aligning with AI threat benchmarks and evaluation.
Measuring impact and mobilising investment
Evidence shows a 10% rise in fixed broadband penetration can lift GDP in developing economies by up to 1.5%. The Digital Policy Framework for Arab States provides a structure to prioritise reforms, de-risk capital, and accelerate delivery.
Implemented with partners including GSMA and Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and underpinned by the UNDP Ooredoo Digital Partnership, the programme convenes public, private and academic actors to scale impact—echoing broader momentum as African digital infrastructure receives a boost.
Voices from the partnership
UNDP’s Abdallah Al Dardari positioned the Digital Policy Framework for Arab States as a practical tool for governments to design comprehensive policies that balance innovation, development and equity, tying inclusion and accountability to measurable outcomes.
Ooredoo Group chief Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo highlighted that stronger ICT regulation drives innovation and service quality; the UNDP Ooredoo Digital Partnership intends to expand capabilities and align incentives through the Digital Policy Framework Arab States.
Building the ecosystem for trusted transformation
With GSMA and national stakeholders, the UNDP Ooredoo Digital Partnership aims to embed consistent standards, robust data practices and interoperability.
The Digital Policy Framework of Arab States also emphasises mobile security and cyber hygiene across users and institutions, reinforcing guidance such as mobile security guidance for agencies.
Regional industrial digitisation, from e-services to logistics, exemplified by a robotic fulfilment centre in Kuwait, underscores the need for secure, scalable platforms.
Implications for inclusive growth and AI adoption
Advantages:
The Digital Policy Framework for Arab States brings clarity and coordination to policy and investment. It helps target infrastructure to underserved communities, embeds accountable data governance and builds skills for AI.
Clear priorities can attract capital, accelerate e-government adoption and support sustainable human development across sectors.
Challenges:
Capacity constraints and uneven starting points may slow delivery. Without sustained financing, policy coherence and cross-border collaboration, gaps in service quality, affordability and digital skills could persist.
Balancing AI innovation with risk management requires continuous monitoring and public engagement, central to the AI Readiness Arab Region and the Digital Policy Framework Arab States.
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Conclusion
The Digital Policy Framework for Arab States offers a practical route to inclusive digital transformation. It centres connectivity, trusted data governance and national AI preparedness.
Backed by the UNDP Ooredoo Digital Partnership, GSMA and Qatar’s MCIT, it provides a repeatable mechanism to assess readiness, prioritise reforms and mobilise investment across the region.
As countries operationalise the Digital Policy Framework Arab States, they can accelerate service delivery, close usage gaps and ensure technology supports sustainable human development.
Questions Worth Answering
What is the Digital Policy Framework for Arab States?
- A UNDP–Ooredoo regional roadmap to expand connectivity, strengthen data governance and improve national AI preparedness through accountable public–private collaboration.
How does it relate to AI Readiness Arab Region?
- It operationalises AI Readiness Arab Region by building policy, institutional and skills capacity for safe, beneficial AI adoption.
Who are the main partners?
- UNDP and Ooredoo lead the effort with GSMA and Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, alongside public and academic partners.
How will it support economic growth?
- By guiding investment in broadband and digital services, improving trust frameworks, and developing AI skills, drivers linked to productivity and GDP gains.
What evidence underpins the approach?
- Research shows that a 10% increase in fixed broadband penetration can raise GDP by up to 1.5% in developing economies.
Where does cybersecurity fit?
- The framework embeds privacy, security and resilience across networks, data and AI systems to build trust and protect users.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the UN’s lead agency for international development, working to end poverty and reduce inequality worldwide.
It operates in 170 countries and territories, supporting institutions, policies and programmes that advance sustainable development.
Its work aligns with six signature solutions, spanning governance, resilience, environment, energy, gender equality and poverty reduction.
About Ooredoo Group
Ooredoo Group is a telecommunications provider operating across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, serving consumers and enterprises.
It delivers mobile, fixed, broadband and ICT services that enable digital transformation and societal progress.
Through partnerships, it invests in infrastructure and innovation to expand inclusive, high-quality connectivity.
About Abdallah Al Dardari
Abdallah Al Dardari is the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States.
He advocates for inclusive, accountable digital transformation policies that advance equitable development.
His leadership supports practical frameworks that balance innovation with rights, resilience and sustainable growth.
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