Saudi Digital Government Governor: “Committed to Enhancing Digital Services”
Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA), Engineer Ahmed Al-Suwayan, praised the leadership’s focus on digital government services. He emphasized how Vision 2030’s programs have boosted Saudi Arabia’s global standing. The Kingdom now ranks fourth in the Online Services Index (OSI).
Al-Suwayan spoke during the opening session of the Digital Government Forum in Riyadh. Ministers, officials, and experts attended the high-profile event. The forum showcased Saudi Arabia’s significant progress in digital government development. Its theme, “Our Future Now,” aligned with the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
The event coincided with the Internet Governance Forum, hosted in Riyadh from December 15 to 19, 2024. The King Abdulaziz International Conference Center served as the venue for both global gatherings.
Breakthrough Achievements in Digital Sectors
Al-Suwayan emphasized the health sector’s success in performing the world’s first open-heart surgery using robotics, reducing recovery time by 90%. He also applauded the municipal sector’s use of AI to detect visual distortions, achieving a 95% success rate compared to 19% previously.
The labor and social development sector achieved a significant milestone by reducing the time for issuing amicable settlement reports by 86%. This initiative contributed to a 42% drop in labor dispute cases. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saved SAR 283 million annually through the adoption of e-visas.
The financial sector excelled in combating commercial concealment, saving over SAR 3 billion through the VAT-based “Fatoorah” system. Government agencies actively engaged with the Digital Government Authority’s training programs, benefiting 3,000 employees from 254 entities through 180 specialized courses.
Strategic Initiatives Drive Transformation
Al-Suwayan reiterated the Authority’s commitment to digital transformation through initiatives like unifying platforms, reducing the number from 581 to 20 sectoral platforms. He announced the launch of platform codes and the expansion of the National Unified App services.
The Governor concluded by outlined efforts to provide seamless user experiences by adopting “Life Journey” concepts, encompassing 12 life journeys. The Authority issued 216 decisions through electronic participation channels and upheld digital inclusivity standards, delivering 20 unique services to government entities.
