Qatar Breaks Into Top 20 in Global Digital Competitiveness Ranking
▼ Summary
– Switzerland leads the 2025 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, followed by the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Denmark.
– Qatar rose to 20th place in the ranking, reflecting progress under its National Vision 2030 and Third National Development Strategy.
– Qatar achieved 9th place globally in economic competitiveness and ranks 1st in key indicators like Funding for Technological Development and Use of Big Data and Analytics.
– The ranking evaluates 69 countries on digital technology adoption for economic and social progress, based on pillars like Knowledge, Technology, and Future Readiness.
– Qatar’s advancement underscores its efforts to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy and improve citizens’ lives through digital services and workforce development.
Qatar has achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 20 in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking for 2025, rising from 26th place in the previous year. This leap underscores the nation’s steady progress toward building a competitive, knowledge-based economy under the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. The IMD ranking evaluates 69 economies on their capacity to adopt and leverage digital technologies for economic and social transformation.
Switzerland leads the global list, with the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Denmark rounding out the top five. Among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, the United Arab Emirates advanced two spots to claim ninth place, while Saudi Arabia climbed five positions to 22nd globally. Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait also featured in the rankings at 32nd, 36th, and 42nd places respectively.
In parallel, Qatar secured ninth place globally in economic competitiveness, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-looking economies. This dual success reflects sound governance, modern digital infrastructure, and a skilled workforce prepared for future demands.
The IMD report further highlighted Qatar’s performance across three core pillars: 13th globally in Knowledge, 36th in Technology, and 14th in Future Readiness. These outcomes point to solid foundations in human capital, technological infrastructure, and national adaptability. The tangible benefits of this digital advancement include faster government services, broader access to online platforms, and a more vibrant private sector.
A statement from authorities noted that this accomplishment aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its seven national outcomes, particularly Sustainable Economic Growth, Government Excellence, and a Future-Ready Workforce.
Qatar also earned top global rankings in several key indicators. Under the Technology pillar, the country ranked first worldwide in Funding for Technological Development and Banking and Financial Services, affirming its role as a leading financial hub with strong investment mechanisms that fuel innovation. In Future Readiness, Qatar placed first in the Use of Big Data and Analytics, signaling widespread adoption of data-driven decision-making across public and private institutions.
Within the Knowledge pillar, the nation performed strongly in Digital and Technological Skills, Female Participation in Higher Education, and Employee Training, reflecting a deep commitment to nurturing talent and equipping citizens for tomorrow’s economy.
The IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, published annually by the IMD World Competitiveness Center in Switzerland, uses over fifty indicators across the three pillars to assess each country’s digital capacity. Qatar’s ascent into the top twenty signals the effectiveness of its integrated approach, combining policy, investment, and innovation, to create a prosperous and sustainable future for its people.
(Source: Economy Middle East)