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Saudi Digital Authority to Augment Investment in Govt Technology

Saudi Arabia establishes the Digital Government Authority (DGA)… Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha in the upper left portrait | Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia establishes the Digital Government Authority (DGA)… Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha in the upper left portrait | Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Digital Authority to Augment Investment in Govt Technology

Saudi Arabia establishes the Digital Government Authority (DGA)… Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha in the upper left portrait | Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia establishes the Digital Government Authority (DGA)… Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha in the upper left portrait | Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Cabinet approval on Tuesday for the establishment of the Digital Government Authority (DGA) is expected to raise the kingdom’s place in the UN e-government ranking by adopting digital transformation in government services on a par with international standards.

Abdullah al-Swaha, the Saudi minister of communications and information technology and chairman of the National Digital Transformation Unit, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the historic move will provide integrated and seamless digital proactive services.

The DGA, according to al-Swaha, will help in achieving key objectives, most important of which is augmenting returns on government digital assets and investments. It will also work on developing the digital capabilities and talents of public sector employees.

The minister added that the authority opens up new horizons in digital government services through proactive and integrated digital services, especially that the world became more reliant on digital transformation as a pillar for success in 2020.

Mansur al-Obaid, head of the information and communications committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the DGA will be able to unite efforts under rich initiatives for digital transformation.

Today, Saudi Arabia has over 1,500 government websites that offer a range of 4,000 e-services, al-Obaid noted.

DGA will help prepare a national e-government strategy and organize the work of digital government, including platforms, websites, services, and e-government networks.

This comes in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve the Kingdom’s ranking to be among the top five countries in e-governance by 2030.

According to al-Obaid, the DGA will improve the experience of clients and users, increase efficiency rates, and attract investments at a higher rate.

Al-Obaid added that the authority will enhance mechanisms adopted by government agencies and help achieve sustainability by stimulating creativity and promoting innovative work models.

The scope of DGA’s work will encompass vital sectors like education, health, and transportation.

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SAMA: Saudi Arabia Unites Regional Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
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SAMA: Saudi Arabia Unites Regional Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)

Governor of the Saudi Central Bank Ayman Al-Sayari reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to unifying regional efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons, as well as addressing challenges faced by all nations in these areas.

Al-Sayari was speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the conference “Latest Developments in Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Weapons Proliferation,” held on the sidelines of the 39th General Meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).

He highlighted the 20th anniversary of MENAFATF’s establishment, praising its role in raising awareness and deepening understanding of international requirements across the region, which he said has helped relevant agencies in member states strengthen their compliance with global standards.

Al-Sayari commended the efforts of Saudi authorities, particularly through specialized permanent committees, to enhance the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures and improve the Kingdom’s adherence to international obligations.

He emphasized that as money laundering, terrorist financing, and weapons proliferation crimes continue to evolve rapidly, with increasingly complex methods, countries are striving to update their legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with these changes.

Al-Sayari also underscored Saudi Arabia’s support for the goals of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under Mexico’s presidency, aimed at combating financial flows that fuel money laundering and terrorism. These efforts, he stressed, contribute to the integrity, stability, and sustainable growth of the global economy.

Saudi Arabia actively participates in FATF discussions to ensure that cross-border transactions are more efficient, transparent, and inclusive, while maintaining compliance with due diligence requirements and other necessary safeguards.

Separately, Al-Sayari held discussions with FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo on key updates and mutual areas of interest in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and weapons proliferation.