عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Al-Swaha: Saudi Arabia a Dynamic, Influential Leader in Regional, Global Digital Economy

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT
TT

Al-Swaha: Saudi Arabia a Dynamic, Influential Leader in Regional, Global Digital Economy

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha reiterated that the Kingdom remains resolute in its role as a dynamic and influential leader in both the regional and global digital economy.
He underscored the Kingdom's pivotal role within the G20, where it actively contributes to shaping digital policies and spearheads numerous initiatives aimed at addressing the global digital divide.
Under India's leadership of the G20 this year with the theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future," the digital economy working group has identified three core priorities: public digital infrastructure, cybersecurity in the digital economy, and skills development.
In remarks to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the occasion of the G20 Summit held in India, the minister said: "Today, the Kingdom takes pride in its advanced technological sector, which has solidified its regional and global position as a leading tech hub. With national digital capabilities boasting global qualifications and enabling digital infrastructure, these collective advancements have resulted in progress reflected in international indices and reports."

In this context, Eng. Al-Swaha revealed that the Kingdom secured impressive rankings in global digital competitiveness in 2023, standing as the second-ranked nation among G20 countries according to the European Centre for Digital Competitiveness.

He added that the Kingdom also achieved the fourth position worldwide and the second among G20 nations in the Digital Readiness Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Furthermore, it clinched third place globally in the GovTech Maturity Index Update (GTMI) released by the World Bank Group for the year 2022, he said.
These efforts, the minister said, culminated in the Kingdom’s ascent to the top spot for venture capital investments in the region, with a remarkable $446 million in the first half of the current year.
He also highlighted the Kingdom's exemplary model in empowering women, exemplified by the increase in their participation from 7% to 33% across various sectors.
Eng. Al-Swaha stated that these efforts even reached the realm of space, with the first Arab and Muslim female astronaut, Rayana Barnawi, joining her colleague Ali Al-Qarni in conducting 14 pioneering scientific and educational experiments in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS).

Additionally, he said the Kingdom has inaugurated the world's largest virtual hospital, offering advanced medical services to over a million people each month within the Kingdom and across the region.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
TT
TT

Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.