Saudi Arabia Ranks Fourth In Digital Services Globally, According To United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024

The 2024 edition of the United Nations (UN) E-Government Development Index (EGDI) has seen Saudi Arabia rise to the fourth position globally in the domain of digital services, with the Kingdom also ranking first in the region, as well as second among G20 nations. 

Saudi Arabia had advanced by 25 places with respect to its last position on the index, an indication of the leaps it has made when it comes to being a digital leader, in alignment with the objectives of the country’s Vision 2030. The Kingdom also secured the seventh position in the e-participation index, while the capital, Riyadh, ranked third among 193 cities around the world. 

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, HE Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, who’s also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority, credited the achievement to the backing the Kingdom’s leadership had provided the country’s technical and digital sector, while also affirming the country’s determination to move forward in its journey towards a national economy based on innovation. 

Similarly, HE Eng. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority, highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s advancement in the EGDI is indicative of the leadership’s support in providing the best digital government services to all beneficiaries. Besdies lauding the diligence and oversight that the digital government has received through the executive programs of Vision 2030, he pointed out that a variety of reforms and investments have improved collaboration among government entities, while also encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies and the launch of a number of digital intiatives and products. 

Published biennially, the EGDI is regarded as one of the most important international indicators of structural reforms on increasing productivity, enhancing efficiency, and improving experiences through the development of digital governments in UN member states. Reports released by the EGDI thus serves as a fundamental reference for measuring government performance among all countries of the world.