Saudi Arabia Ranks 1st Internationally in Internet Usage

Business

February 24th, 9:51am

Dubai - 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.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4176966/saudi-arabia-ranks-1st-internationally-internet-usage