The GCC is making significant advancements in digital government through its commitment to citizen-centric solutions that put the user first. The Global Ministers Survey, which PwC ME recently launched in partnership with the World Governments Summit, found that 76% of ministers believe the role of government will increase in the future, with innovation driving this transformation. The GCC is not just adopting new technologies but using them to build systems that genuinely serve the needs of its people. This approach is not only shaping the future of governance but also transforming how citizens interact with their governments.
One of the most inspiring examples of how we can reinforce the ideal of "government at the service of the people" is the Best Minister Award, which I had the honor of presenting alongside His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This year’s award was given to His Excellency Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Zimbabwe's Agriculture Minister, for his transformative leadership in harnessing digital solutions to solve real-world challenges. Minister Masuka’s initiatives, including the use of digital farming technologies and the establishment of an e-agriculture college, were pivotal in helping Zimbabwe achieve wheat self-sufficiency for the first time in over two decades.
This achievement highlights the future of government—using technology to address pressing issues and make a meaningful impact on citizens' lives. Minister Masuka’s approach exemplifies how innovation can drive sustainable, impactful change and improve governance globally. This is the vision that is now being realized in the GCC through digital transformation. Here are three key ways the GCC is building digital solutions around the needs of its citizens:
Three key ways the GCC is building digital solutions around the needs of its citizens:
1. Citizen-Centric Platforms
In line with the growing role of government, Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform and Qatar’s Digital Government Strategy 2026 are excellent examples of how digital solutions are making services more accessible and citizen-centric. Absher allows citizens to access government services 24/7, from passport renewals to paying traffic fines, while Qatar’s use of AI personalizes services, making them more responsive and relevant to citizens’ needs. These platforms reflect the broader trend of governments becoming more responsive and engaged with their people.
2. Co-Creation
The Global Ministers Survey found that 60% of ministers believe governments of the future will be ‘co-creative,’ with citizens actively involved in the design and delivery of public services. The GCC is leading the way in this regard. A prime example is how the UAE recently engaged residents in the development of the draft labor law, asking for their input and reflections before finalizing it. This process ensured that the law reflected the needs and concerns of the people it directly impacted. Similarly, Malaffi, the UAE’s healthcare platform, centralizes patient data from multiple healthcare providers, improving healthcare efficiency while ensuring services are tailored to citizens’ needs. Both examples show how co-creation isn’t just a theoretical idea—it’s actively shaping public policies and services in the GCC.
3. Innovation Driving Efficiency
The GCC is embracing emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and data analytics to drive innovation in government services. These technologies are making public services not only more efficient but also more transparent, personalized, and effective—directly improving the lives of citizens and making government more responsive to their needs. A prime example of this in Oman, which is currently implementing the National Digital Transformation Programme - pushing for a smart government that integrates data and streamlines processes across a wide range of sectors to for efficiency and a seamless citizen experience.
The future of government is now - I believe we’re entering a new era in governance, one where digital solutions are designed with the citizen at the heart of everything.
Rami Nazer
Middle East Government and Public Sector Leader, PwC Middle East
