Oman among Arab world leaders in eGovernment
For the first time, the UN eGovernment report has focused on the Global Cyber Security Index, in which Oman is one of the top ten
Times News Service
MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s ranking in the United Nations eGovernment Survey 2018 has seen an improvement from 2016 figures.
Oman is currently ranked 63 out of 193 countries, having improved on all three indices.
It is currently ranked sixth among the Arab countries and second in the online services index.
The Sultanate recorded significant improvement in the eParticipation index, rising 33 positions to 43rd.
According to the report, Denmark was ranked first worldwide.
For the first time, the UN eGovernment report has focused on the Global Cyber Security Index, in which Oman is one of the top ten countries with the regard to cybersecurity commitment.
The survey tracks the progress of eGovernment development via the eGovernment Development Index, which is derived from a Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, a Human Capital Index, and the Online Service Index.
The assessment rates the eGovernment performance of countries relative to one another, as opposed to being an absolute measurement.
In the Online Services index, Oman scored 81 per cent, having scored 59 per cent in the 2016 survey. It is currently the second best country in the Arab region in this index.
The Telecom Infrastructure Index saw a notable improvement, rising from 51 per cent in 2016 to 54 percent in the 2018 survey.
In the Human Capital Index, Oman’s score rose from 67 per cent to 70 per cent, reflecting the investment made by the government in the education sector.
As part of the report, the UN also published the eParticipation Index, in which Oman improved significantly, rising to 33rd, making it the second highest ranking Arab country.
The United Nations eGovernment Survey Report, which is issued every two years, is an important indicator for measuring the progress made by countries in online services, the quality of eParticipation, infrastructure supporting digital transformation, and national capacity building.