Saudi Vision Drives Digital Transformation, Boosts Knowledge Economy Progress
Saudi Arabia has cemented its position as one of the world's leading emerging digital economies, driven by an ambitious strategic vision under its 'Vision 2030' plan, which places digital transformation at the heart of sweeping economic and social reforms.
The Kingdom's push has been underpinned by major investments in telecommunications and information technology infrastructure, helping to build the region's largest and fastest-growing tech market.
The Saudi digital economy is now valued at 495 billion riyals ($132 billion), accounting for 15% of the Kingdom's GDP, according to the 2024 Vision 2030 progress report, which highlighted significant growth in the country's digital business environment, supported by modern regulations and legislation that boosted government efficiency and strengthened the appeal of the local market.
The launch of the Absher platform marked the first major milestone in Saudi Arabia's digital shift, serving as a springboard for broader e-government services. It was followed by advanced platforms such as Tawakkalna and Nafath, which revolutionized the relationship between the state and its citizens through automated, high-efficiency services.
To drive its digital ambitions, the Kingdom established the Digital Government Authority and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to coordinate digitalization efforts and harness big data.
These moves accelerated the digital transformation and bolstered Saudi Arabia's standing in global rankings.
The Kingdom climbed to sixth place globally in the United Nations E-Government Development Index for 2024, surpassing its timeline target and moving closer to its goal of ranking fifth by 2030. It also ranked first regionally, second among G20 countries, and fourth worldwide in the Digital Services Index.
Saudi Arabia continued to strengthen its global digital leadership in 2024, topping several international benchmarks, including first place worldwide in open government data and digital government skills, and seventh in the e-participation index, reflecting the maturity and integration of its digital ecosystem.
The Kingdom's telecommunications and technology market is expanding rapidly, reaching 180 billion riyals ($48 billion) in 2024. Female participation in the tech sector surged from 7% in 2017 to 35% in 2024, while more than 381,000 specialized tech jobs have been created.
Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the world's second-highest ranked country in the ICT Development Index for the second consecutive year. Internet penetration reached 99%, and over 3.9 million homes are now connected to fiber-optic networks.
In cybersecurity, the Kingdom secured first place globally in the 2024 Global Competitiveness Report's cybersecurity index. Key initiatives included the launch of the national 'Haseen' portal and the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Academy to secure the digital environment and bolster trust in electronic services.
Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity market is estimated at 13.3 billion riyals ($3.5 billion), with private sector spending accounting for 69% and government spending for 31%. The sector employs more than 19,600 professionals across 355 companies offering advanced cybersecurity solutions.
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