11 Arab Countries Shine in the Global Innovation Index 2024

The Global Innovation Index 2024 revealed the top-ranking economies worldwide, highlighting those that excel in innovation relative to their level of development. The rankings are primarily based on data from 2022 and 2023, which accounts for about 80% of the total data used.

Innovation Leaders in 2024

The report showed significant progress from middle-income Asian economies such as China, India, Indonesia, and Turkey, which continue to strengthen their leadership in innovation. Additionally, both Thailand and Vietnam are nearing entry into the top 40 economies, while Morocco made notable strides by joining the group of middle-income economies within the top 70 economies in the Global Innovation Index, marking the fastest progress in the index ranking since 2013.

Innovation in Arab Countries

A total of 11 Arab countries secured spots in the Top 100 Economies globally in the Global Innovation Index 2024, based on several indicators including “knowledge and technology outputs, human capital and research, infrastructure, and market development.”

Performance of Arab Countries

The UAE led the Arab nations, ranking 32nd globally, followed by Saudi Arabia in 47th place, and Qatar in 49th.

Morocco ranked 4th in the Arab world and 66th globally, while Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman occupied positions 5th to 8th in the Arab region, ranking from 71st to 74th globally.

Tunisia ranked 9th in the Arab world and 81st globally, while Egypt secured the 10th spot in the Arab world and 86th globally.

Lastly, Lebanon ranked 11th in the Arab world and 94th globally in the innovation index.

Global Leaders

On a global scale, Switzerland topped the Global Innovation Index 2024, followed by Sweden in second place, the United States in third, and Singapore and the United Kingdom in the following positions.

Source: Global Innovation Index