The United Arab Emirates ranked among the largest exporters of digital services globally over the past five years (2019–2023), according to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The WTO’s latest report, World Trade Indicators 2023, revealed that the UAE’s digital services exports totaled $193 billion (AED 708 billion) during this period, placing the country 21st globally and first among Arab nations within the top 30 leading exporters of digital services.
The global ranking was led by the United States with $2.88 trillion, followed by the United Kingdom ($1.78 trillion), Ireland ($1.33 trillion), Germany ($1.12 trillion), India ($917 billion), China ($851 billion), Netherlands ($836 billion), Singapore ($746 billion), France ($731 billion), and Luxembourg ($571 billion).
Other notable countries included Japan ($557 billion), Switzerland ($483 billion), Belgium ($391 billion), Canada ($360 billion), Sweden ($295 billion), Italy ($259 billion), Israel ($254 billion), South Korea ($249 billion), Hong Kong ($212 billion), and Spain ($207 billion).
Following the UAE were Poland ($171 billion), Austria ($157 billion), Denmark ($124 billion), Philippines ($123 billion), Taiwan ($117 billion), Finland ($114 billion), Brazil ($88 billion), Australia ($88 billion), and Romania ($78 billion) rounding out the top 30.
The UAE is the only Arab country to secure a high ranking in digital services exports. Its progress is attributed to paperless government initiatives, advanced digital infrastructure, and the widespread adoption of smart applications enhancing daily life for residents and citizens.
