In a remarkable achievement, Saudi Arabia has secured the fourth position globally in the United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024 (EGDI 2024). The Kingdom’s leap of 25 places in the EGDI 2024 places it among the world’s leading nations in digital governance. Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked second among G20 countries and first in the region in the digital services index while securing the seventh position in the e-participation index. The capital city, Riyadh, also achieved an outstanding milestone by ranking third among 193 cities worldwide.
Recognition of Leadership and Vision
Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority, Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, attributed this success to the unwavering support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He emphasized that the Kingdom’s progress in digital services is a direct result of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the digital economy.
Al-Swaha further stressed that the Kingdom is committed to continuing its journey of digital transformation, fostering innovation, and strengthening its leadership role on both regional and global levels. He highlighted the vast improvements in digital service delivery, infrastructure, and cybersecurity, all of which have contributed to the Kingdom’s ability to offer efficient and secure e-government services to businesses and individuals.
Strategic Investments and Reforms
Governor of the Digital Government Authority, Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s continuous improvement in the EGDI rankings is a testament to the leadership’s dedication to providing high-quality digital government services. The Kingdom’s digital government advancements have been driven by extensive reforms and strategic investments, which have enhanced efficiency and promoted the adoption of emerging technologies.
The Digital Government Authority, in collaboration with various government entities, has been instrumental in this achievement by implementing cutting-edge digital solutions, launching regulatory frameworks, and fostering digital competencies. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the maturity of digital government services, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in digital transformation.
In addition to regulatory improvements, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies. These technologies have enhanced government transparency, efficiency, and security, allowing citizens and businesses to seamlessly access digital services.
UN Recognition and Key Achievements
The UN report acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s impressive strides in digital governance, ranking the Kingdom sixth globally in digital government development. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the country has witnessed substantial investments in digital initiatives, resulting in major advancements:
- A leap of 53 ranks in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII), showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding internet access and connectivity.
- An improvement of 31 ranks in the Human Capital Index (HCI), reflecting investments in digital literacy, education, and workforce training.
- A remarkable jump of 67 ranks in the Electronic Services Index (OSI), securing the fourth rank globally in 2024, highlighting the availability and effectiveness of digital government services.
- A 100% maturity in government digital regulations, ensuring a streamlined and well-regulated digital transformation.
- 100% availability and sharing of open government data for citizens and businesses, promoting transparency and data-driven decision-making.
- An advancement of 60 ranks in electronic participation and public consultations, empowering citizens to engage with the government digitally and contribute to policy-making.
Digital Government Initiatives and Future Plans
Saudi Arabia has launched multiple initiatives to drive digital governance, including the expansion of smart city projects, AI-driven service automation, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Government portals and mobile applications have been developed to offer seamless, user-friendly services to residents and businesses. Additionally, the Kingdom has prioritized accessibility, ensuring digital inclusion for all segments of society, including people with disabilities and remote communities.
Moving forward, Saudi Arabia aims to further accelerate its digital transformation by expanding 5G networks, strengthening data protection laws, and increasing investment in technology startups. These efforts align with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in digital innovation and governance.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The E-Government Development Index, one of the most significant global benchmarks for digital governance, has been tracking digital transformation for over 20 years. Issued biennially, the index assesses the impact of digital reforms on government efficiency, productivity, and user experience. Saudi Arabia’s remarkable progress in these rankings underscores the success of its digital transformation initiatives and reinforces its commitment to shaping the future of digital governance.
With continued investments in digital infrastructure and innovation, Saudi Arabia is poised to further strengthen its global standing and drive the next wave of digital excellence. The Kingdom’s strategic approach, backed by strong leadership and vision, ensures its place among the most technologically advanced nations in the world.
Source: Saudi Gazette
