It’s always interesting to see how different countries are faring in the realm of digital governance. And it seems like Saudi Arabia is once again making headlines for all the right reasons.
According to the latest United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) index, Saudi Arabia has reclaimed its spot as the top performer in e-government services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. That’s quite an accomplishment, especially considering the stiff competition in the region.
What’s really impressive is the score Saudi Arabia managed to achieve – 93%. That’s no small feat, let me tell you. It goes to show just how dedicated they are to advancing their digital government initiatives.
This isn’t just a one-time thing either. Saudi Arabia has been consistently leading the pack for the past two years, maintaining its position at the forefront of digital transformation in the region.
The Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index
Now, let’s talk about the index itself – the Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, or GEMS for short. It’s a comprehensive assessment that evaluates 17 countries based on the maturity of 84 priority government services delivered through portals and applications. And Saudi Arabia has aced it across the board.
What I find particularly impressive is that Saudi Arabia didn’t just excel in one area – they excelled in all indicators.
What I’d like to add is that Saudi Arabia’s success serves as a shining example for other countries in the region. It shows what can be achieved with a clear vision, strategic planning, and relentless execution.
What’s the score?
Saudi Arabia’s performance in terms of e-government services has seen notable improvements across various indicators.
So, in terms of service availability and sophistication, they scored 98%. That’s a solid increase of 1% from the previous year. It just goes to show how committed they are to providing top-notch services to their citizens.
But it doesn’t stop there. Under the service usage and satisfaction category, Saudi Arabia saw a significant jump, with a maturity rate of 84%, up by 4.76% from 2022. Now, that’s some impressive progress right there.
This suggests that citizens are increasingly utilising digital government services and reporting higher levels of satisfaction with their experiences.
In addition…. Saudi Arabia achieved a perfect score of 100% in the public outreach indicator, reflecting a notable increase of 13.52% from the previous year. This indicates the effectiveness of the government’s efforts in engaging and communicating with the public through digital channels.
Taking all of these factors into account, the total score of 93% is quite impressive and shows that Saudi Arabia is doing really well in terms of technology and service provision.
Additionally, it’s fascinating to note that Riyadh, the capital city, has emerged as the fourth-ranked globally in technology utilization and applications. This means that they are using technology in a really advanced way, which is contributing to their overall success. Being ranked so high among cities worldwide is a significant achievement and shows that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of technological innovation.
A huge focus on AI
If you haven’t heard, Saudi Arabia plans to invest $40 billion into Artificial Intelligence, as some news outlets have suggested.
This huge investment would make them the biggest AI investor globally. But why is Saudi Arabia so interested in AI, and how does it connect with digital governance?
Well, first of all, investing in AI shows that Saudi Arabia is serious about diversifying its economy. Historically, the country has relied heavily on oil, but with the rise of renewable energy and concerns about climate change, they’re looking for new ways to grow their economy. AI offers a promising opportunity for economic growth by fostering innovation and creating new industries.
Additionally, by investing in AI, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a major player in global digital governance.
Investing in AI can help Saudi Arabia improve its digital governance by enabling better and more efficient public services, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting innovation in areas like smart cities and digital healthcare.
Furthermore, AI can play a crucial role in helping governments make data-driven decisions and tackle complex challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and education. By investing in AI, Saudi Arabia is not only preparing for the future but also laying the groundwork for more effective and responsive governance.
Final thoughts
What I like most about Saudi Arabia’s ambition and achievements is that it shows they’re not content to just sit back and rely on their traditional strengths. They’re forward-thinking, proactive, and ready to embrace the digital future with open arms.
Now, what I’d like to add (like I always do in every article I write about AI) is that while AI certainly holds tremendous promise, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical concerns need to be very carefully navigated to make sure that it is used responsibly and ethically.
