Navigating Digital Transformation in the UAE: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions in the Public Sector

Abstract

Digital transformation is a process in which the latest technologies are used in various business fields to keep pace with continuous changes. It involves the strategic and profound integration of digital technologies into an organization’s core business operations, processes, and models. In this study, a quantitative approach was used to study the impact of DT adoption on public sector transformational change projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The diffusion of innovation theory (DIT) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model (UTAUT) were used in the factor analysis. This study highlights that digital transformation initiatives in the UAE have benefited from a strategic alignment with government initiatives, such as AI and blockchain strategies. However, public sector organizations face challenges, such as the high costs of technology adoption and cybersecurity risks during integration with legacy systems. The significance of social influence, including elements like use behavior and behavioral intention, was identified as essential for digital transformation, suggesting the importance of technology in job performance. Similarly, digital transformation projects improve IT competence and reduce resistance to change among leaders and individuals. The findings underscore the importance of investing in infrastructure and continuous IT training to sustain digital transformation. More studies are required across specific sectors to further explore the impact and scalability of DT initiatives in the UAE public sector.

Keywords

• transformational change
• digital transformation
• IT competence
• resistance to change
• UAE public sector
• digital acceptance