Date: May 20, 2025
Dubai / Emirates News Agency
Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, expects the digital economy’s contribution in Arab countries to reach approximately 15% of GDP by 2030, equivalent to $900 billion. He stressed that digital transformation has become a national and regional necessity to reposition Arab countries at the heart of the global economy, calling for joint action between governments and the private sector to accelerate the pace of digital transformation.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he emphasized that the Seamless Middle East 2025 Digital Economy Conference and Exhibition constitutes a leading international platform for transforming the Arab digital vision into reality. Its current edition attracts more than 30,000 participants from 100 countries, with 750 exhibiting companies and 800 international speakers. It includes more than 200 discussion sessions and 70 workshops covering the digital economy, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce.
He explained that the Federation has launched a new strategic partnership with the Chinese side, including the establishment of an office for the Arab Federation for Digital Economy in the People’s Republic of China. This partnership aims to enhance knowledge exchange and implement joint projects within the framework of the Arab Digital Economy Vision, which is sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
Dr. Al Khouri pointed out that the world is witnessing a pivotal moment that calls for flexible economic models capable of adapting to challenges, especially in light of negative expectations for global growth in 2025 due to trade tensions and rising inflation rates. This makes the digital economy a central tool for achieving sustainable growth in the region. He pointed out the most prominent challenges facing the Arab digital economy. These challenges include the widening digital divide, weak human preparedness, and delayed development of legislative and regulatory frameworks. He emphasized the need to intensify spending on technological infrastructure, launch future education and training programs, and reform the legislative system to keep pace with innovation and support the digital business environment.
The President of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy pointed out that Seamless 2025 represents a strategic opportunity to enhance international cooperation and honor leading entities through the Arab Digital Economy Award. He emphasized the Federation’s commitment to supporting digital integration in the region through qualitative partnerships that contribute to shaping an Arab economic future based on knowledge and technology.
