Saudi Arabia Sets Digital Innovation Benchmark, Says DGA Chief

Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) Ahmed Alsuwaiyan
Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) Ahmed Alsuwaiyan
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Saudi Arabia Sets Digital Innovation Benchmark, Says DGA Chief

Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) Ahmed Alsuwaiyan
Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) Ahmed Alsuwaiyan

Saudi Arabia is leading the way in digital technology for citizens, residents, visitors, and businesses, according to Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the Kingdom’s Digital Government Authority (DGA).
The Kingdom has made major advances in sectors like health, municipalities, and education, affirmed Alsuwaiyan.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Alsuwaiyan noted that Saudi Arabia is now among the top 10 countries globally for digital government.
It ranks sixth in the Global E-Government Development Index, reflecting the government's dedication to becoming a top digital state and improving service efficiency.
Alsuwaiyan reminded that Saudi Arabia is fourth worldwide, first in the region, and second in Asia in the United Nations e-Government Development Index and related measures.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has achieved significant success in digital government, ranking second globally for digital services among G20 countries and seventh in the e-Participation Index.
The Kingdom surged 25 places in the 2024 UN e-Government Development Index, joining the top 10 worldwide and becoming the first Middle Eastern country to do so.
Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, “Vision 2030,” has driven this progress, boosting the Kingdom from 52nd place in 2018 to sixth this year.
Saudi Arabia also rose 32 spots in the Human Capital Index, now leading globally in digital government skills.
Riyadh is third worldwide in the UN e-Government Development Index, following Tallinn and Madrid, and ranks first in the G20 region. The city excels in regulatory frameworks and providing key public service information.
Alsuwaiyan credited these achievements to a focus on creating impact through technology and effective public-private partnerships.
Efforts to improve infrastructure and foster a supportive investment environment have also contributed to Saudi Arabia's leading role in digital government practices.

 



Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
TT

Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo

The Spanish government has given the green light to Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator, STC Group, to raise its stake in Telefonica beyond 5% and reach 9.97%, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Thursday.

Cuerpo confirmed an earlier report by El Pais newspaper during a news conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting in which the stake increase was approved, Reuters reported.

"Measures and conditions have been set and accepted voluntarily by the Saudi company to ensure that (the operation) takes place," Cuerpo told reporters.

He said the government's decision followed an "exhaustive analysis based not only on compliance with current legislation but also to guarantee the national interest in defense and ensure the strategic element in telecommunications".

Last year, STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder.

The Saudi group said at the time it owned a 4.9% stake in Telefonica and financial instruments giving it another 5% in what it called economic exposure to the company.

The Spanish government had to authorize the deal as Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company.

The Saudi company has said it does not intend to gain control of or a majority stake in Telefonica.