Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil by promoting a range of sectors, including the information technology (IT) sector. The National Transformation Program (NTP) is a key initiative under Vision 2030 that aims to create a conducive environment for sustainable digital transformation and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
The NTP has placed significant emphasis on expanding and upgrading e-government services in the Kingdom. As per the program’s 2022 report, more than 6,000 digital government services are available, which represents 97% of all government services. The government has also invested in digital entrepreneurship, spreading digital awareness, and training highly qualified national cadres to drive digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in global digital benchmarks, with the country securing 31st place globally in the United Nations e-Government Development Index for 2022. Furthermore, the Kingdom has clinched the top position in the Middle East and North Africa region for the availability and development of digital government services in the Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS) for 2021, issued by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). As per the Japanese Waseda University Index for 2021, Saudi Arabia was the most improved country as a digital government, having surged 23 places from the preceding year.
The NTP’s initiatives have played a crucial role in advancing the Kingdom’s communications infrastructure. Mobile internet speed has increased to 181.24 Mbps, while fixed internet speed has reached 109.83 Mbps. Additionally, 4G wireless broadband coverage has exceeded 98%, and 5G services have been made available in 84 governorates across Saudi Arabia.
In the European Center for Digital Competitiveness’ report on Competitiveness Progress 2021, Saudi Arabia ranked second among G20 countries and advanced eight positions in the global ranking of the most competitive countries. The report highlighted several accomplishments in the Kingdom’s efforts to establish a robust digital sector that attracts investments. The NTP has introduced and developed policies and legislation supporting digital transformation, such as the personal data protection system, the digital government policy, and the communications and information technology system approved in 2022. These measures have helped reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as the fastest-growing and largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa.
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