Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in digital readiness and Hajj preparations
The Kingdom tops the global digital readiness index
During a government press conference, His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman Al-Dossari, announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved first place globally in the 2025 Digital Readiness Index, issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This achievement is a culmination of the Kingdom's tireless efforts within the framework of Vision 2030, which aims to build a sophisticated digital economy and a vibrant society based on the latest technologies.
Background to the achievement: Saudi Vision 2030 and digital transformation
This global ranking was not a coincidence, but rather a direct result of a comprehensive national strategy launched with the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030. The Vision established digital transformation as one of its key pillars, aiming to develop digital infrastructure, enhance e-government, and encourage innovation across all sectors. The Kingdom has invested heavily in expanding fiber optic networks and deploying 5G technologies nationwide, which has accelerated the pace of digital transformation and improved the efficiency of services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors.
Comprehensive preparations for the Hajj season
Minister Al-Dossari affirmed that this digital advancement directly impacts the readiness of all government sectors for the Hajj season, outlining a comprehensive national plan to ensure the provision of the best possible services to pilgrims. In this context, he revealed that 5G network coverage is now 100% in the Holy Sites, supporting the provision of ultra-fast communication services for pilgrims and facilitating the operation of security and service systems. More than 4,200 specialized technical personnel work around the clock on this network to guarantee continuous service at the highest quality.
Integration of efforts between different sectors
Al-Dossari explained that the success of the Hajj season depends on coordination and institutional cooperation among various entities. The Ministry of Interior is leading intensive field efforts through the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign to ensure the safety of the crowds and the smooth flow of traffic. These measures coincide with the Ministry of Tourism's preparations, which have provided more than one million beds in Mecca and 332,000 beds in Medina, supported by intensive monitoring tours to guarantee the quality of services. For its part, the Ministry of Water, Environment, and Agriculture is pumping more than 1.2 million cubic meters of water daily, while conducting thousands of laboratory tests to ensure its safety.
Global media coverage and the noble message of Hajj
The Minister of Media emphasized the pivotal role of media in conveying the true image and spiritual atmosphere of the Hajj season. He announced the launch of the third edition of the Hajj Media Forum, with the participation of more than 30 entities from the public and private sectors, and the hosting of 150 media outlets and over 3,000 local and international journalists. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) also forged strategic partnerships with 42 international news agencies to enhance the global dissemination of reliable news content and convey the noble message of Hajj to the world.
