Saudi Arabia’s Programs and Initiatives in Emerging and Digital Technologies
Abstract
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 focuses on modernizing the economy and reducing oil dependence by leveraging digital technologies. The country aims to increase the digital economy’s share of GDP to 19.2% and digitally transform 92% of government services by 2025. Significant investments exceeding $11.9 billion in the digital sector and over $25 billion in digital infrastructure have improved internet coverage and speeds. Saudi Arabia ranks highly in global ICT, e-government, and cybersecurity indices. The nation emphasizes innovation, startup growth, and emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and IoT, aiming to become a regional and global tech hub. Efforts also include smart city development, with Riyadh ranking 30th globally.
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Governance Structure and Key Institutions in Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation
In 2020, the ITU classified Saudi Arabia as a fourth-generation ICT regulator, upgrading it to the fifth generation in 2021 due to its progress in regulatory cooperation and digital transformation. The country’s governance structure is organized into high-level institutions, government agencies, and private sector actors.
Key high-level entities, including the National Digital Transformation Committee and Unit, were established in 2017 under the National Transformation Program Committee to coordinate digital policies and strategies. The Digital Government Authority, founded in 2021, leads the digitization of public services.
Government bodies like the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, CST, and SDAIA handle infrastructure, skills development, and AI strategy. Other agencies regulate media, cybersecurity, banking, and innovation. The private sector, notably telecom firms and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, supports tech industry development.
Saudi Arabia’s Key Policy Documents on Digital Transformation
Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation under Vision 2030 is driven by key policies including the Digital Economy Policy (2021), ICT Sector Strategy (2019–2023), CITC Strategy 2030, the Cybersecurity Strategy (2020), and the National Data & AI Strategy (2020). These aim to develop digital infrastructure, localize technology, boost skills, attract investment, enhance cybersecurity, and position the Kingdom as a regional leader in the digital economy.
Some of Saudi Arabia’s Initiatives in the Field of Digital Transformation
Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation covers multiple sectors with key initiatives such as the GOV.SA platform integrating government services, health platforms like Mawid and Sehha for online care, and the Madrasati platform for remote education. The Najiz platform modernizes judicial services, while social platforms like Ehsan support charity efforts.
The Ministry of Communications advances 5G/6G networks, IoT, and digital research partnerships, and Saudi Internet Society promotes tech skills. Programs to boost digital skills and entrepreneurship include women’s leadership initiatives, coding competitions, training like Rise, and accelerators like Riyadh Techstars.
Aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy by fostering innovation, digital infrastructure, local content, investment, and job creation, positioning itself as a regional tech leader and global investment hub.
This note is written by Farzaneh Siasi Rad , researcher of Zaviyeh group.
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