Saudi Arabia has been ranked fourth globally in the United Nations (UN) E-Government Development Index (EGDI) 2024. Ascending 25 places, the Kingdom cemented its position as one of the leading digitally-ready countries worldwide.
The Kingdom ranked second among the G20 nations and first regionally in the digital services index. Saudi Arabia also claimed the seventh spot in the e-participation index. Notably, the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, has achieved a remarkable third position out of 193 cities globally, showcasing the city’s leadership in digital services.
H.E. Eng. Abdullah Amer Al-Swaha, Minister of Communication and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority, attributed the Kingdom’s success in the technical and digital sector to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support in accelerating digital transformation in the government sector.
The minister emphasized that the achievements significantly align with Saudi Vision 2030, which reflects the Kingdom’s digital superiority and leadership.
Highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts in accelerating its digital transformation journey, Al-Swaha stated, “It enhances the Kingdom’s role as an effective and influential leader in the digital economy at the regional and global levels.”
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Notable Achievements in the EGDI
The United Nations report commended Saudi Arabia’s digital governance advancements, citing remarkable progress in various categories, such as a 53-rank improvement in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII), a 31-rank advancement in the Human Capital Index (HCI), and a 67-rank leap in the Electronic Services Index (OSI), securing the fourth position globally.
The Kingdom achieved 100% maturity in government digital regulations, as well as 100% availability and sharing of open government data for citizens and business sectors. Additionally, Saudi Arabia advanced 60 places in the electronic participation and consultation sectors.
Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority, noted that the Kingdom’s EGDI progress demonstrates its dedication to delivering world-class digital government services. He credited the Saudi Vision 2030 programs as critical drivers advancing the Kingdom’s ranking in the index. These include the launching of reforms and investments, adopting emerging technologies, and implementing digital initiatives and products.
Alsuwaiyan emphasized, “The efforts of the Digital Government Authority, in partnership and integration with all government agencies, have contributed to the Kingdom reaching this advanced position. This is through working to adopt the latest digital solutions to enhance the maturity of digital government services, launching a set of regulations and guidelines, providing advisory programs, and encouraging promising leaders and competencies in the field of digital transformation.”
The EGDI, published biennially, is a pivotal international indicator for measuring the impact of structural reforms in productivity, efficiency, and digital government experience.
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