UNDP and Ooredoo Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Arab States
UNDP and Ooredoo Group launch a collaborative initiative to create a unified digital policy framework, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth across the Arab States 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 States region.
Launched at Ooredoo’s inaugural Digital Ecosystem Conference in Doha, this initiative responds to the urgent need for cohesive digital regulations and policies that support sustainable economic growth. The initiative will 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. This partnership marks an important contribution to unlocking the vast potential of the digital economy across our region. By creating a unified digital policy framework, we are fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, the digital divides bridged, and sustainable development is within reach for all.
– Susanne Dam Hansen, Deputy Director, Amman Regional Hub, UNDP
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. This initiative is a decisive step toward creating a unified digital policy framework tailored to our region’s unique landscape. Our collaboration with UNDP brings together unparalleled expertise, marking a landmark step toward creating a digital ecosystem that fosters sustainable progress across Middle East and North Africa region.
– Hilal Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Chief Legal Regulatory and Corporate Governance Officer, Ooredoo
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 States region. 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. UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Ooredoo Group will further explore developing additional collaborative regional projects under this initiative.
