The UAE has emerged as the world’s most advanced market for digital trade readiness, according to Standard Chartered’s latest Future of Trade report, which highlights the country’s rapid progress in building a fully digital, future focused trade ecosystem.
Based on a survey of 1,200 multinational corporations across seventeen major markets, the study identifies the UAE’s strong digital infrastructure, clear regulatory approach and wide corporate adoption of new technologies as the key drivers behind its leading position. The report shows that cloud computing remains the most powerful catalyst for transformation, with 97 percent of UAE corporates naming it a critical enabler. This is the highest level of cloud adoption among all surveyed markets.
Digital assets are also gaining significant momentum. The UAE records a 68 percent adoption rate, positioning companies at the forefront of tokenised instruments, digital settlement systems and blockchain based trade solutions. Corporates are increasingly integrating advanced tools into day to day operations, with augmented and virtual reality usage at 43 percent and artificial intelligence adoption at 36 percent.
Support for unified digital trade frameworks is equally strong. The research notes that 96 percent of UAE corporates favour expanding Digital Economy Agreements to streamline cross border digital standards and enhance global connectivity.
Syed Khurrum Zaeem, Managing Director and Head of Trade and Transactional Banking for the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa at Standard Chartered, said the UAE has built one of the world’s most advanced digital ecosystems, where policy, infrastructure and corporate ambition collectively drive innovation.
The report also finds that 73 percent of UAE companies lead their digital transformation projects internally, reflecting a mature business environment with strong in house capability. With national strategies prioritising digitalisation and the private sector accelerating adoption of cloud, AI, digital assets and automation, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for technology enabled trade.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
