Issuing sailing permits and accessing border guard services via the Absher platform
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, the Director General of the Border Guard, Major General Shaye bin Salem Al-Wadaani, inaugurated a package of new electronic services for the General Directorate of the Border Guard. This strategic step is being implemented through the Ministry of Interior's electronic platform "Absher" and the Border Guard's electronic services portal "Zawel" at the Directorate's headquarters in Riyadh. Among the most prominent of these services, which many have been anticipating, is the issuance of sailing permits, representing a significant leap forward in streamlining procedures for citizens and residents.
The Kingdom's digital transformation journey: from paper transactions to the Absher platform
The launch of these services was not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of a long history of technological advancement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the wise leadership has placed digital transformation as one of the most important pillars of comprehensive development. Historically, government transactions, including Border Guard services, relied entirely on paper-based procedures and in-person visits, which were time-consuming and laborious. With the emergence of the “Absher” platform, the landscape has completely changed, becoming the comprehensive digital umbrella serving millions of beneficiaries. The addition of Border Guard services represents the culmination of years of diligent work in building a robust and reliable digital infrastructure, reflecting the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to providing automated and highly efficient services.
Steps to issue a sailing permit and details of added electronic services
The newly launched services include a sailing permit through the “Absher Individuals” platform, covering fishing, recreation, and rescue activities. This service provides vessel owners with greater flexibility in issuing sailing permits, allowing them to easily review, extend, modify, or even cancel them.
In addition, the electronic diving permit service was launched through the “Zawel” portal, linked to the “Absher Business” platform. This service enables diving centers, divers, and marine vessel owners to manage and issue various types of diving permits (shore or open sea diving) for recreational and training purposes. This comes as a result of fruitful cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Maritime Sports and Diving Federation. The updates also included a marine vessel operator's license service through the “Zawel” portal, which allows users to book driving test appointments to obtain or view their licenses electronically.
The strategic importance and expected impact of digitizing the border guard sector
The launch of these services is of paramount importance and will have a far-reaching impact on several levels. Locally, automating services contributes to enhancing safety and security levels in maritime activities, as it facilitates the tracking of vessels and the verification of permits, thus reducing accidents and violations. It also plays a vital role in supporting the Kingdom's growing maritime tourism sector, particularly in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf regions.
Regionally and internationally, this development reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in e-government and maritime border security management using cutting-edge technologies. Providing fast and transparent services reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to international maritime safety standards and contributes to creating a safe and attractive maritime environment for investments and international sporting events. Ultimately, these efforts are part of the Ministry of Interior's ongoing endeavors to enhance the quality of life and provide the best possible services to all beneficiaries.
