SDAIA receives EFQM global certification as the first Saudi government entity
In a move reflecting the rapid development of government institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has achieved an unprecedented national milestone by obtaining the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Global Recognition Certificate for Sustainable Performance at the (5) Star level. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as SDAIA becomes the first government entity in the Kingdom to attain this advanced level in its first institutional performance assessment according to the updated version of the EFQM Global Model.
Details of the global crowning
The certificate presentation ceremony took place at the Authority's headquarters, where Abdullah Al-Khudairi, CEO of the Strategy Management Office at SDAIA, received the certificate from Russell Longmuir, CEO of EFQM. This recognition is a culmination of the Authority's efforts in implementing the highest standards of quality and institutional excellence, reflecting advanced administrative and operational maturity comparable to leading global organizations.
What is the EFQM Foundation and why is this recognition important?
The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), founded in 1989 and headquartered in Brussels, is the world's leading authority on organizational excellence. This certification is highly valued because it is awarded only to organizations that demonstrate their ability to achieve sustainable results and adopt flexible and advanced work methodologies. The EFQM model is a global management framework used by more than 50,000 organizations worldwide to measure and improve performance, making SDAIA's achievement of a 5-star rating in its initial assessment a clear testament to the effectiveness of its organizational structure.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement is inseparable from the broader context of the transformation led by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, one of whose key pillars is achieving an “effective government” characterized by high performance and transparency. As the national authority responsible for all matters related to data and artificial intelligence, SDAIA’s institutional excellence enhances its ability to lead this vital sector and supports its efforts to enable digital transformation and build a data-driven economy, which will positively impact the Kingdom’s standing in international indicators.
Eligibility criteria and a holistic approach
SDAIA earned this prestigious certification for adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach to its work system. The evaluation covered several key areas, most notably leadership and strategy, corporate culture, performance management, and the creation of sustainable value. The assessment also focused on the organization's ability to engage stakeholders and lead transformation and innovation—essential elements that ensure continuous development and the efficient achievement of strategic objectives.
