Saudi Arabia has made a significant leap in the UN’s E-Government Development Index (EGDI) for 2024, rising 25 places to become a global leader in digital services. The Kingdom now ranks fourth worldwide and second among G20 nations in the index, showcasing its rapid advancement in digital government services. Riyadh, the capital city, has also distinguished itself by ranking third among 193 cities globally in the e-participation index.
Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority, expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their unwavering support of the digital sector, which has been crucial in achieving these milestones. Alswaha attributed this success to the empowerment provided by the Crown Prince and emphasized that the results reflect the ambitious plans of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pivotal leader in the digital economy on both regional and global stages.
Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, governor of the Digital Government Authority, highlighted that the Kingdom’s continuous improvement in the EGDI is a testament to the leadership’s commitment to delivering top-tier digital government services. He praised the effective implementation of Saudi Vision 2030’s executive programs, which have significantly contributed to the Kingdom’s improved rankings.
Through strategic reforms, investment in emerging technologies, and the launch of numerous digital initiatives, Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable strides. The DGA’s collaborative efforts with government agencies have adopted cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance service maturity, launching regulatory frameworks, consulting programs, and fostering talent in digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital governance is also reflected in its impressive rankings in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) and Human Capital Index (HCI), where it has seen significant jumps. Furthermore, the Online Service Index (OSI) has witnessed Saudi Arabia climb 67 places, establishing it as a top performer globally.
This digital ascendancy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to revolutionize its national economy through innovative digital governance, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and public service experience. The biennial E-Government Development Index remains a crucial international benchmark, evaluating the digital capabilities of UN member states and serving as a guide for global digital governance standards.
