THE ROLE OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ARAB COUNTRIES

The digital economy is linked to the issue of technology and scientific knowledge, as it contributes to the technical development of different countries, thus achieving the optimal use of resources and competencies and achieving high levels of productivity.Digital transformation in Arab economies is considered of outstanding importance in light of the strategies adopted by many of these countries for economic diversification as well as enhancing productive competitiveness at an accelerated pace that achieves the distinguished economic performance of these countries.The research analyzed indicators of the digital economy and sustainable development for Arab countries.The indicators of the digital economy in Arab countries were represented by the Arab Digital Index, the Global Digital Competitiveness Index (knowledge + technology + readiness for the future), and the basic pillars index (digital governance, digital foundations, digital innovation, etc.)The study reached several conclusions, including that the United Arab Emirates ranked first in terms of the Arab Digital Economy Index with (71.37) points, while the other Gulf countries exceeded (61) points.The UAE also ranked (13) globally out of (64) A global country, in the Global Digital Competitiveness Index.As for Algeria, it ranked first in the Arab world in the Sustainable Development Index, as it achieved (71.5%) of the sustainable development goals.It is also among the (25) countries in the first places in the global business activities index, while the Arab countries occupied the (last 50( places for this index.The matter requires adopting digital strategies for Arab countries that are consistent with sustainable development goals and linking them to job opportunities, in addition to the necessity of providing an action program that addresses all regulatory, legal, legislative and infrastructure obstacles in order to provide rapid technological means of communication for all members of society.