The Global Center in Riyadh promotes digital transformation in Saudi Arabia
The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, affirmed that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Digital Government Authority and the United Nations to establish a global center for digital government in Riyadh represents a significant milestone, embodying the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting international efforts. This achievement reflects the progress of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia and the utilization of modern and innovative technologies to serve the Sustainable Development Goals globally.
The journey of technological innovation and Vision 2030
The selection of Riyadh to host this global center was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the culmination of a remarkable journey of technological development witnessed by the Kingdom in recent years. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the wise leadership – may God support them – has placed the communications and information technology sector at the heart of its strategic plans. These efforts have resulted in significant leaps forward in digital infrastructure, enabling the Kingdom to lead in numerous international indicators related to internet speed, the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, and the development of e-government services.
In this context, the Kingdom has achieved advanced rankings in the United Nations' e-Government Development Index, reflecting the maturity of its digital infrastructure. This tangible progress has made Riyadh a fertile environment and an ideal incubator for global technological initiatives, reinforcing its position as the innovation capital of the Middle East and confirming its ability to lead major technological transformations.
New dimensions are driving Saudi Arabia's digital transformation towards globalization
The establishment of the Global Center for Digital Government has profound strategic dimensions that transcend geographical boundaries. Domestically, the center will accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation by bringing global best practices and localizing knowledge, thereby enhancing government performance and the quality of life for citizens and residents. Regionally, the center will serve as a leading platform for countries in the Middle East and North Africa to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s pioneering experience in digitizing government services, supporting regional technological integration and stimulating knowledge-based economic growth.
At the international level, Dr. Al-Wasil explained that the center will play a pivotal role in supporting the exchange of expertise and building institutional and human capacities among UN member states. The center will work to enhance multilateral cooperation to address global technological challenges and bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries by providing advanced consulting and training programs. Through this close collaboration with UN agencies, the Kingdom affirms its role as a strategic and active partner in shaping the future of digital government globally and improving the efficiency of international government services to serve all of humanity and achieve the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
