Digital transformation under King Salman: Leadership in artificial intelligence
The reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is witnessing unprecedented historical transformations that have placed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the most technologically advanced nations. Digital transformation is no longer merely an option for developing services, but has become a fundamental pillar of the state's strategy to build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. This phase embodies the transition from the concept of "building a digital state" and establishing the infrastructure to the stage of "digital sovereignty" and global leadership in the field of artificial intelligence.
Historical context and Vision 2030
The outlines of this radical transformation began to take clear shape with the launch of "Vision 2030" in 2016, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. From its inception, the vision emphasized the need to modernize the digital infrastructure, paving the way for the establishment of the "Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence" (SDAIA) in 2019. The establishment of this authority was a pivotal step in unifying national efforts and leading the shift towards data and artificial intelligence, with the aim of achieving ambitious goals that would make the Kingdom a global technology hub.
From e-government to artificial intelligence
The Kingdom has moved beyond simply automating traditional government procedures, reaching advanced levels of digital maturity. Platforms like Absher, Tawakkalna, and Nafath are prime examples of the success of the Saudi digital government model, which has facilitated the lives of millions of citizens and residents. This ambition extends beyond mere implementation to include the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in vital sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, and smart cities like NEOM and The Line, which rely entirely on big data and smart technologies for their management and operation.
Strategic importance and global impact
This transformation is of paramount importance on several levels. Domestically, it contributes to diversifying national income sources and reducing dependence on oil by creating a robust digital economy that provides thousands of high-quality jobs for Saudi youth. Regionally, the Kingdom leads the Middle East in digital competitiveness indicators, reinforcing its position as a soft power and a logistical and technological hub in the region. Internationally, the Kingdom has demonstrated its active presence by hosting global AI summits and achieving advanced rankings in the United Nations' e-government development indicators and the World Bank's government technology maturity index.
In conclusion, the reign of King Salman represents a golden age for technology in Saudi Arabia, as government efforts are combined with the private sector to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a key player in shaping the future of global technology, and to ensure national sovereignty over data and future digital capabilities.
