Abu dhabi: The UAE has been identified as the most advanced market in the world for digital trade readiness, as announced by Standard Chartered in its latest 'Future of Trade: Digitisation' report. The report highlights the UAE's robust digital infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and the corporate sector's adoption of technologies that are transforming cross-border trade.
According to Emirates News Agency, the study surveyed 1,200 multinational corporations across seventeen key markets globally and found that cloud computing is the primary driver of digital transformation among UAE corporates. An impressive 97 percent of these corporations recognize cloud computing as a critical enabler, marking the highest adoption level among all surveyed markets.
The UAE also distinguishes itself with a notable 68 percent adoption rate of digital assets, positioning the nation as a leader in tokenized instruments, digital settlement models, and blockchain-enabled trade solutions. Furthermore, UAE corporates show significant engagement with next-generation digital technologies.
Adoption rates for augmented and virtual reality in the UAE have reached 43 percent, while artificial intelligence adoption is at 36 percent. This reflects a growing application of advanced tools across various operations, customer engagement, and supply chain processes. Additionally, 96 percent of UAE corporates advocate for the expansion of Digital Economy Agreements to harmonize cross-border digital trade standards.
Syed Khurrum Zaeem, Managing Director, Head of Trade and Transactional Banking for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa at Standard Chartered, commented on the findings: 'The UAE has created one of the most advanced digital ecosystems in the world, where policy, infrastructure, and corporate ambition work together to drive rapid innovation. The private sector in the UAE is not only adopting emerging technologies but is deploying them with a level of confidence and scale that sets the country apart as a global benchmark in digital trade development.'
The UAE's digitalization indicators reveal significant progress, with cloud adoption at 97 percent and digital asset adoption at 68 percent. Adoption of augmented and virtual reality stands at 43 percent, while artificial intelligence adoption reaches 36 percent. Additionally, a preference for more Digital Economy Agreements is at 96 percent, and internal digital capability is recorded at 73 percent.
The research indicates that UAE corporates possess some of the strongest internal digital capabilities in the study. Seventy-three percent of these corporations lead their transformation programs in-house, reducing reliance on external providers and fostering local talent development. This high level of self-sufficiency demonstrates a mature and sophisticated business environment well-equipped to implement complex digital initiatives.
As national strategies prioritize digital transformation and the private sector embraces cloud, artificial intelligence, digital assets, and automation, the UAE continues to solidify its position as an international hub for technology-enabled trade. The country's leadership in digital adoption, regulatory alignment, and cross-border connectivity underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of digitally enabled global commerce.