Global Knowledge Index 2024: UAE Leads Arab World, Sweden Tops Globally

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled the Global Knowledge Index 2024 (GKI 2024) results during the Knowledge Summit 2024 held at the Dubai World Trade Center. The Index, a benchmark for assessing global progress in knowledge domains, saw Sweden take the top spot globally, while the UAE emerged as the leader among Arab nations.

Global and Regional Rankings

• Sweden led the global rankings with an index score of 68.3, followed by Finland (68.2) and Switzerland (67.9).
• Denmark and the Netherlands tied for fourth place at 66.8, while the United States ranked seventh with 66.2.
• UAE ranked 26th globally with a score of 60.9, leading the Arab world. Qatar (39th, 55.5) and Saudi Arabia (41st, 54.8) followed.
• Among Arab nations, Oman ranked fourth regionally (55th globally), and Lebanon, a new entrant, ranked fifth in the Arab world (81st globally).

Key Achievements and Insights

His Excellency Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General, emphasized the Index’s role in guiding nations toward establishing knowledge societies. “Learning and acquiring knowledge are essential for youth to become the cornerstone of the knowledge economy,” he said.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, lauded the UAE's strong performance, noting the Index's value in shaping national policies and strategies to drive innovation and development.

Dr. Hani Torky, Chief Technical Adviser at UNDP, highlighted the transformative potential of initiatives like the Future Skills Academy and the importance of leveraging AI for human and institutional progress.

Sectoral Highlights

• Pre-University Education: Saudi Arabia ranked 4th globally, with Arab countries averaging 64.1, surpassing the global average of 61.9.
• ICT: The UAE ranked 4th globally, and Saudi Arabia 7th, reflecting strong regional progress. Arab nations outperformed the global ICT average of 48.2 with a score of 49.5.
• Economy: The UAE ranked among the top 10 globally for economic competitiveness and innovation-driven value addition.
• Research, Development, and Innovation: The Arab world aligned with the global average of 31.5 points, though disparities were noted, particularly in Palestine, Morocco, and Mauritania.

Global Knowledge Index 2024 Overview

The 2024 Index expanded its scope to 141 countries, incorporating eight new entrants. It remains a crucial tool for nations to evaluate their knowledge landscapes, identify gaps, and design strategies to address local and international challenges.

The next edition of the GKI will integrate metrics addressing emerging technologies and global transformations, ensuring continued relevance as a trusted guide for sustainable development.