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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)
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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.

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Saudi Arabia Tops Edelman’s Trust Index for National Leadership

Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Tops Edelman’s Trust Index for National Leadership

Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has topped the global trust rankings in Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer. The report from the global consulting and PR firm shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals.
The 24th edition of the report also finds that 78% of respondents trust the Saudi business sector, and over 80% have strong confidence in the nation's leaders and scientists to manage innovation.
Despite global worries about new regulations and tech trends, Saudi Arabia scored a high trust level of 56%, the highest among the 28 countries surveyed.
The Kingdom also leads in trust regarding AI regulations, surpassing the US at 24%, France and Japan at 23%, the UK at 18%, Germany at 27%, and South Korea at 28%.
The report highlights trust in clean energy and AI as crucial for "Saudi Vision 2030". The Kingdom has a 68% trust level in regulated AI technologies, well above the global average of 50%.
Arent Jan Hesselink, CEO of Edelman Europe, Middle East, and Africa, noted that innovation is key to Saudi Arabia’s progress, but stressed the importance of clear communication and transparency to build trust in managing new technologies.
“Innovation is the protagonist of our annual Trust Barometer study this year. The public needs assurance that emerging technologies from business have been evaluated by scientists and effectively regulated by the government,” said Hesselink.
“People need to understand and feel in control over the impact of technological innovations in their lives,” he added.
Elie Azzi, General Manager at Edelman KSA, said: “Guided by high levels of public trust and the Kingdom’s solid confidence in government and their leadership in the transformative objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, there is a real opportunity to demonstrate innovation's deep impact on both the economy and society. It's important for the Kingdom to continue to demonstrate through communications and storytelling that innovation will bring us a better future.”
“Saudi Arabia's proactive approach to innovation and a strong regulatory framework have resulted in a high level of trust in new technologies. This trust is crucial as the Kingdom advances towards its Vision 2030 and demonstrates how effective management and clear communication of technological advancements can result in widespread public support that drives economic growth”, Azzi commented.
The annual Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed 32,000 people across 28 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, Ireland, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Germany, Australia, the US, Singapore, China, Argentina, Malaysia, Kenya, France, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Spain, Colombia, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, and India.
The report examines trust in business leaders, media, governments, and NGOs, guiding dialogue and priorities for the year ahead.