Standard Chartered Report Crowns UAE Global Leader in Digital Trade

Standard Chartered has released its latest Future of Trade: Digitisation report, identifying the United Arab Emirates as the world’s most advanced market for digital trade readiness. The assessment reflects the UAE’s strong digital infrastructure, clear regulatory environment and rapid corporate adoption of technologies that are reshaping global cross-border trade.

The study surveyed 1,200 multinational corporations across 17 major markets and found cloud computing to be the leading driver of digital transformation among UAE companies. Ninety-seven percent of surveyed corporates identified cloud adoption as essential, marking the highest level recorded globally. The UAE also ranks at the top in digital asset adoption, with 68 percent using tokenised instruments, digital settlement mechanisms and blockchain-enabled trade solutions.

The report highlights strong adoption of next-generation technologies across the UAE’s private sector. Augmented and virtual reality are in use among 43 percent of corporates, while 36 percent have integrated artificial intelligence into operations, customer engagement and supply chain processes. Support for harmonised international digital trade standards is also high, with 96 percent of UAE corporates calling for the expansion of Digital Economy Agreements to standardise cross-border digital frameworks.

UAE organisations are also distinguished by strong internal digital capabilities, with 73 percent managing their transformation programmes in house. This level of self-reliance reduces dependency on external providers and strengthens national talent development, underscoring the maturity of the country’s digital business ecosystem.

Driven by ambitious national strategies and a private sector that continues to embrace cloud technologies, automation, AI and digital assets, the UAE is solidifying its position as a global hub for technology-enabled trade. Its leadership in digital adoption, regulatory alignment and cross-border connectivity is shaping the evolving landscape of digital commerce worldwide.