According to the Open Data Watch (ODW) 2024/2025 Open Data Inventory (ODIN) report, the United Arab Emirates surpassed major nations like Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and the United States to rank 10th globally. This represents a new turning point for the nation and further solidifies its position as a global leader in embracing open data and digital government ideas.
Every two years, Open Data Watch publishes the ODIN report, which evaluates the completeness and transparency of data found on the websites of 197 different countries’ national statistical offices. It is one of the top specialised reports in the world since it covers important topics like economic, financial, social, and environmental statistics.
The ranking of the report is based on 64 indicators that evaluate whether a country complies with international openness standards and gauge the accessibility of statistical data provided by that nation through official open data platforms. This covers requirements like machine-readable data, unfettered data downloads, accessibility to metadata, and extensive geographic coverage.
In a number of metrics, such as food security and nutrition, banking and monetary statistics, and the prices and inflation index, where it rose 45 spots, the UAE achieved the top spot in the world. Along with other indicators like environment, health, and gender balance, it also jumped 54 spots to rank second globally in the global trade index and educational outcomes index.
The Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, emphasised that this accomplishment shows the UAE’s dedication to a vision for the future in which digital policies are combined with all-encompassing development initiatives. In the region and globally, he said, the UAE has made a name for itself as a leader in full digital transformation and a global platform for data-driven decision-making.
“This achievement demonstrates the UAE’s enabling role in enhancing the country’s digital readiness by developing legislative and regulatory frameworks, supporting national open data policies, and providing a strong digital infrastructure, ensuring integration between government entities and positioning the UAE as a global reference in adopting digital government concepts, transparency, and data-driven innovation,” Al Mesmar concluded.