The Digital Government Expo 2024 provided a platform to explore the latest advancements in digital transformation within government services. A key session led by the Digital Government Authority (DGA) of Saudi Arabia offered valuable insights into the Kingdom’s progress, strategic initiatives, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping future public services.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital transformation has yielded remarkable progress, best evidenced by its rapid ascent in UN E-Government Development Index. The country has moved from 52nd place in 2018 to 6th place in 2024, making it one of the fastest-rising nations in global digital governance rankings. This progress reflects a broader commitment to improving government efficiency, citizen experience, and technological innovation. The DGA, established in 2021, plays a central role in this transformation by regulating, measuring, and enabling digital government initiatives across the public sector.
One of the most striking aspects of Saudi Arabia’s digital government success is its focus on integrated, citizen-centric platforms:
These platforms demonstrate the impact of well-designed digital infrastructure in enhancing efficiency and user experience. The success of these platforms is not merely a result of technological investment but also of strategic collaboration across government agencies. The Qiyas digital transformation measurement tool is a key part of this effort, ensuring that progress is tracked and aligned with national goals. In 2024 alone, 233 government agencies participated in Qiyas, with 88 reaching advanced innovation and integration levels. These figures reflect Saudi Arabia’s structured approach to digital transformation, ensuring that new technologies are effectively implemented and deliver tangible benefits.
Emerging technologies are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital government landscape. A particularly interesting example of technological advancement is SEHA Virtual Hospital, which integrates artificial intelligence to expand healthcare access and improve service quality. The King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre has also made headlines with the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, demonstrating the potential of digital transformation and innovation in critical sectors beyond government administration.
Generative AI is another area of increasing focus for the DGA. Findings from an expert-led survey presented during the session at DigiGov Expo highlighted AI’s potential to enhance decision-making, personalise public services, and improve operational efficiency. Saudi Arabia has committed $40 billion to AI investments, with AI expected to contribute $135 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030.
The session concluded with a set of strategic priorities for the next phase of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. Establishing dedicated AI governance platforms, enhancing public sector digital literacy, and strengthening public-private partnerships were identified as critical next steps. Saudi Arabia’s approach to digital governance is structured, forward-thinking, and ambitious, with clear milestones guiding its progress.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital transformation is reshaping public service delivery, driving economic growth, and fostering innovation. The Kingdom’s ability to integrate technology, strategy, and governance has set a new benchmark for digital government excellence, offering valuable insights for other nations looking to modernise their public sector operations. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its digital government agenda, the emphasis remains on collaboration, efficiency, and long-term impact—ensuring that technology serves as an enabler of better governance and a more connected society.