A new study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) governments are accelerating in terms of both progress and global ranking. Yet, the Government Citizen Survey (DGCS) advised the regional public sector to develop standards, guidelines, training, and regulatory barriers vis-à-vis the ethical use of data and artificial intelligence (AI). 

On one hand, citizens in the region are satisfied with digital government services and the associated benefits including understandable language, multiple platform accessibility, and easy access to information. 

On the other hand, respondents expressed concerns regarding transparency, collection, and storage, while 90% of regional correspondents attributed their personal information worries to AI technologies. ‘Although digital government services have yielded newfound value for citizens, we do see skepticism where data and AI are concerned. Building trust is essential, and governments are obligated to ensure users understand every aspect, from how their data is utilised to the controls in place for robust governance,’ said BCG partner and associate director Rami Mourtada.