The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in digital transformation in recent years. The government has implemented various initiatives and programs that aim to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and support economic diversification efforts. Here are some of the most important achievements of the Saudi government in the field of digital transformation:
1. Launching of the National Transformation Program 2020 (NTP): In 2016, the Saudi government announced the NTP, which is a comprehensive plan that aims to improve various sectors in the country, including digital transformation. The NTP set ambitious goals for the country, such as increasing internet speed and penetration rates, establishing a digital government, and promoting e-commerce and epayment systems. By the end of 2020, the NTP had achieved several goals, such as increasing internet speed by more than 200%, expanding online government services to over 90%, and launching initiatives to support startups and SMEs.
2. Establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA): In 2019, the Saudi government created the SDAIA, which is responsible for overseeing and implementing the country’s data and AI strategy. The SDAIA aims to promote the use of data and AI in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and transportation, to improve efficiency and productivity. The authority has launched several initiatives, such as the National Data Management Office and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, to support the country’s digital transformation efforts.
3. Expansion of digital services: The Saudi government has expanded its online government services to facilitate citizens’ and businesses’ access to various services, such as visas, passports, and driving licenses. According to the World Bank, Saudi Arabia ranks 4th worldwide regarding ease of doing business, and digital services play a significant role in achieving this ranking. The government also launched several mobile applications, such as Tawakkalna and Absher, that provide various services to citizens and residents, such as booking appointments, paying bills, and tracking government transactions.
4. Promoting digital entrepreneurship: The Saudi government has launched several initiatives to support digital entrepreneurship, such as the Misk Innovation Program and the Badir Program for Technology Incubators and Accelerators. These programs aim to train and support Saudi entrepreneurs in developing and launching tech startups. The government also introduced several laws and regulations that promote entrepreneurship, such as the E-Commerce Law and the Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework.
5. Supporting digital infrastructure: The Saudi government has invested heavily in developing the country’s digital infrastructure to enable a seamless transition to a digital economy. The government has launched several projects, such as the national fiber-optic and 5G networks, to improve internet connectivity and accessibility. The country has also implemented several initiatives to improve cybersecurity, such as the Saudi Cybersecurity Federation, which aims to protect the country’s critical infrastructure and data.
In conclusion, the Saudi government has achieved significant progress in digital transformation in recent years. The country has launched several initiatives and programs that aim to enhance digital infrastructure, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and support economic diversification. The kingdom’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in its ambitious goals and achievements in various sectors, which reflects a promising future for the country’s digital economy.
Views expressed by Dr. Ismaeel Almakrami, Health Informatics Consultant, Ministry of Health (MOH), Saudi Arabia
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