Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global leader in digital services, ranking fourth worldwide and first in the region in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) 2024. The Kingdom made a significant leap of 25 places in the index, showcasing its commitment to digital excellence. It also secured the seventh position in the e-participation index, with Riyadh ranking third among 193 cities globally. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, attributed this success to the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who have prioritized the advancement of the technical and digital sector.
Eng. Abdullah Alswaha highlighted the role of Saudi Vision 2030 in driving the Kingdom’s digital transformation and positioning it as a leader in the digital economy on both regional and global levels. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s determination to continue on its path of innovation and leadership, building a national economy rooted in innovation. The support and empowerment provided by the Crown Prince have been instrumental in Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution, as reflected in its historic ranking in the UN digital services index.
Governor of the Digital Government Authority (DGA), Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, commended the wise leadership for promoting digital government services and ensuring their accessibility to all segments of society. He acknowledged the impact of executive programs under Saudi Vision 2030 in enhancing the efficiency of collaborative work and driving the Kingdom’s rise in the EGDI. Through reforms, investments, and the adoption of emerging technologies, Saudi Arabia has been able to offer innovative digital solutions and products, setting new standards for digital government services.
Saudi Arabia’s progress in the EGDI has been recognized by the UN report, which praised the Kingdom’s significant development in the field of digital government, ranking it sixth globally. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has made qualitative investments, jumping 53 places in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) and advancing 31 places in the Human Capital Index (HCI). The report also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s impressive leap in the Online Service Index (OSI) by 67 places, positioning it fourth globally in 2024.
The E-Government Development Index has been a key international indicator for over two decades, reflecting the impact of structural reforms on government productivity and efficiency. The progress made by Saudi Arabia in the index underscores its commitment to enhancing the digital government experience for citizens and businesses. By adopting the latest digital solutions, launching new initiatives, and promoting collaboration across government agencies, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a digital leader in the region and on the global stage.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s rise in the UN digital services index is a testament to its dedication to digital innovation and leadership. With the support of the wise leadership and the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has transformed its digital government services, setting new standards for efficiency and accessibility. By continuing on this path of digital excellence, Saudi Arabia aims to further enhance its position as a global leader in the digital economy and drive innovation across all sectors of society.
