Vision 2030 and a Digital Strategy

The Saudi government has embarked on a transformative journey, driven by the vision of its long-term plan, Vision 2030. This ambitious blueprint aims to diversify the economy, enhance government services, and bolster the country’s digital economy. At the heart of this plan lies a comprehensive digital strategy, with the aim of making Saudi Arabia a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.

• Major investments in telecommunications and information technology infrastructure have helped to drive the growth of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia.
• The country’s largest and fastest-growing tech market has been built on these investments, providing a robust platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Absher Platform: A Springboard for Digital Transformation

The launch of the Absher platform marked a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s digital shift. This online portal enabled citizens to access government services and submit applications in a modern and efficient manner. The platform 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.

Absher marked the first major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s digital shift, serving as a springboard for broader e-government services.

Establishing the Digital Government Authority and SDAIA

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 institutions aim to accelerate the digital transformation and bolster Saudi Arabia’s standing in global rankings.
• The Digital Government Authority coordinates digitalization efforts, while the SDAIA harnesses big data to drive growth and innovation.

Digital Economy Valued at 495 Billion Riyals

Saudi Arabia’s 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.

1. Significant growth in the country’s digital business environment has been recorded, supported by modern regulations and legislation.
2. These regulations have boosted government efficiency and strengthened the appeal of the local market.

Digital Economy Rankings and Achievements

The Saudi digital economy has made significant strides, topping various international benchmarks in 2024. This includes:

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.

1. Top ranking in open government data and digital government skills.
2. Seventh place in the e-participation index.

Telcommunications and Technology Market Expansion

Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications and technology market is expanding rapidly, reaching 180 billion riyals ($48 billion) in 2024. This growth has been fueled by the increasing adoption of digital services and the development of specialized tech jobs.

Female participation in the tech sector has surged, from 7% in 2017 to 35% in 2024, while over 381,000 specialized tech jobs have been created.

1. Telecommunications and technology market reaching 180 billion riyals ($48 billion) in 2024.
2. Female participation in the tech sector increasing to 35% in 2024.
3. Over 381,000 specialized tech jobs created.

Key Initiatives in Cybersecurity

Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities, securing first place globally in the 2024 Global Competitiveness Report’s cybersecurity index.

• The launch of the national “Haseen” portal marked a major milestone in strengthening the kingdom’s cybersecurity posture.
• The establishment of the National Cybersecurity Academy to secure the digital environment and bolster trust in electronic services.

Digital Economy Market Estimates and Job Opportunities

The Saudi digital economy 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.