UNDP and Ooredoo join hands to lead digital transformation across Arab region

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined hands with the Ooredoo Group to announce a joint initiative to establish a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate digital transformation across the Arab region.

The initiative - which also engages the industry leader, Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM Association) as a technical partner - was launched at Ooredoo’s inaugural Digital Ecosystem conference.

The initiative adopts a multi-phased approach, beginning with an evaluation of existing digital regulatory frameworks and adapting them to meet the distinct needs of the Arab region.

The Phase 1 will identify global best practices and develop assessment criteria to benchmark each country’s digital policy context. The framework will initially be piloted in a selected country, setting a model for regional adoption.

The UNDP’s regional bureau for Arab states and the Ooredoo Group will further explore developing additional collaborative regional projects under this initiative.

This initiative not only responds to the urgent need for cohesive digital regulations and policies that support sustainable economic growth but also propose a policy and regulatory framework that fosters investment, reduce transactional friction, and support cross-border innovation; thus enhancing digital readiness in Arab countries and helping them seize opportunities within a rapidly expanding digital economy.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cohesive policies are essential for fostering inclusive economic growth and resilience,” said Sussanne Dam Hanse, deputy director, Amman Regional Hub, UNDP.

The partnership marks an important contribution to unlocking the vast potential of the digital economy across the region, she said, adding by creating a unified digital policy framework, the initiative is fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, the digital divides bridged, and sustainable development is within reach for all.

The framework will be developed with the expertise of leading organizations and will serve as a guide for policymakers to create regulatory contexts conducive of private sector investments and sustainable digital growth.

Without supportive, harmonised policies, the full potential of digital economies remains untapped,” Hilal Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Chief Legal Regulatory and Corporate Governance Officer, Ooredoo, said.

Highlighting that the initiative is a decisive step toward creating a unified digital policy framework tailored to the region’s unique landscape; he said: "Our collaboration with UNDP and GSMA brings together unparalleled expertise, marking a landmark step toward creating a digital ecosystem that fosters sustainable progress across Middle East and North Africa region.”