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Saudi Arabia Ranks 1st Internationally in Internet Usage

GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Ranks 1st Internationally in Internet Usage

GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2022 ranked Saudi Arabia first in the population using the internet and in the percentage of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

GKI showed that Saudi Arabia has five strengths including individuals with standard ICT skills, internet users' percentage, households with internet access, research share of research and development expenditure, and the net enrollment rate in higher secondary education.

The Global Knowledge Index was launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Index also highlighted Saudi Arabia's exceptional performance in knowledge infrastructure, placing it at the 43rd position out of 132 nations and the 41st out of 60 countries with a high human development rate.

The Kingdom has also achieved exceptional results regarding a supportive educational environment.

The Index focuses on seven compound sub-indicators that cover the performance of six key knowledge sectors: pre-university education, technical education, and vocational training; higher education, ICT, innovation, research & development, and the economy.

It also covers the environment sub-indicator, mainly focusing on these sectors' social, political, economic, health, and environmental contexts.

Saudi Arabia was ranked first in the technical education and vocational training index for the number of students enrolled in post-secondary non-university education in vocational and technical programs.

It is considered a key contributor to the global knowledge system in creating development indicators.

The GKI is a significant addition to the global body of knowledge development. It offers a range of reliable data that supports nations and decision-makers in comprehending and responding to transformations and challenges and highlights the critical knowledge barriers in realizing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the 2030 ambitions.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Knowledge Foundation released the GKI 2022 results on the sidelines of the Youth Knowledge Forum, which was held in cooperation with the UNDP. The Index included 155 variables and 132 countries, including 11 Arab nations.

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After Trump’s Victory, Arab Demands for Competitive Advantages Due to Regional Tensions

Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)
Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)
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After Trump’s Victory, Arab Demands for Competitive Advantages Due to Regional Tensions

Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)
Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)

With the election of Donald Trump as US president, the global economy has gained direction for the coming years. Trump’s policies favor corporate tax cuts, increased investment, and expansionary monetary policies. He also promotes local production to boost job creation, which involves imposing significant tariffs on trade partners, particularly in Asia. This approach could trigger a trade war, affecting inflation in both the US and worldwide.

The US economy is already grappling with high prices, slower economic growth, and rising unemployment, alongside a national debt nearing 99% of GDP. This backdrop underscores the importance of economic issues in the recent election.

For the new US administration, domestic concerns will not be the sole priority. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially recent Middle Eastern conflicts, will also impact the US economy. To gain regional insights, Asharq Al-Awsat consulted economists from various Arab nations on their expectations and requests from the US president regarding the Middle East.

Priority of Regional Stability

Dr. Mohamed Youssef, an Egyptian economist, emphasized that regional stability is crucial, benefiting the economy and paving the way for resolving complex issues like the Nile Dam dispute affecting Egypt. He highlighted the American role in fostering calm in the region.

Iraqi economist Durgham Mohamed Ali noted that US relations vary across the Middle East; while Lebanon and Yemen remain outside current US alliances, Sudan and Somalia require international aid to rebuild infrastructure.

Competitive Advantage for Arab Countries

Ahmed Moaty, a global markets expert from Egypt, suggested that reduced US tariffs would improve Arab economies’ competitiveness. However, he pointed out the American high debt could motivate the administration to impose tariffs to protect local industries and reduce imports. Ali observed that US tariffs are interest-driven and selective, favoring allies like Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea while being stringent toward BRICS members, such as China, Brazil, and South Africa. He linked tariff policies to regional geopolitics, especially the conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran, which could influence US economic decisions.

Dr. Mohamed Youssef also argued that easing US-China competition could benefit the global economy, as high tariffs on Chinese goods reduce China’s growth, decreasing demand for key commodities like oil.

Ibrahim Al-Nwaibet, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Value Capital, predicted that a Republican win could positively impact oil and interest rates, revitalizing the petrochemical and trade finance sectors.

On currency, Moaty noted the strong US dollar pressures emerging markets, especially in the Middle East. He suggested offering US Treasury bonds with higher yields to Arab countries as a counterbalance. Ali added that the dollar’s strength poses challenges for countries heavily reliant on US currency amid global liquidity shortages.

The BRICS Bloc

Ali also mentioned the high levels of US debt, explaining: “In general, the entire world is concerned about rising US debt, slowing growth rates... and is wary of the BRICS alliance, which some Arab countries hope to join. The question remains whether a cold economic war will ensue.”

Youssef also discussed the BRICS, which could play a role in attracting the new US president’s attention to countries joining the alliance. He added: “This may provide new competitive advantages for countries in the region, particularly as countries like Egypt, the UAE, and Iran recently joined BRICS, while Saudi Arabia is still evaluating the benefits of such move.”