The UAE has been ranked first in the Arab region and 12th globally among highly competitive countries in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019.

According to the report, issued by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, the UAE advanced five positions from the previous year's ranking.

It said the UAE has also progressed to achieve the top ranking in the Arab region in all three main factors - technology, future readiness and knowledge.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA director-general, praised the UAE performance, saying: "The UAE progress in the Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019 is a new global testimony added to the UAE record of achievements and teamwork."

Al Mansoori highlighted the key role of federal and local government entities and the private sector in achieving the vision, aspirations and goals set by UAE leaders.

"Technology today is the cornerstone of the economic and social development strategies and plans adopted by the world's advanced economies. Innovation is the key for success and cooperation among individuals, federal and local government entities in the development of solutions, and future foresight plays an accelerating role of this innovation and thus improve the country and society," Al Mansoori added.

The ranking is based on 50 indicators grouped into nine sub-factors that form three main factors - knowledge, technology and future readiness.