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King Salman Era Marks Saudi Shift from Digital State to AI Sovereignty

King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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King Salman Era Marks Saudi Shift from Digital State to AI Sovereignty

King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

On the anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation stands as one of the most consequential shifts in the kingdom’s modern history.

What began as the use of technology to support state functions has evolved into a comprehensive digital model in which the economy, knowledge, and artificial intelligence are deeply intertwined.

Since King Salman assumed power in 2015, and guided by the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has launched a far-reaching overhaul of its institutions, legislation, and governance structures.

These changes have repositioned the state around data, computing, and innovation, propelling the kingdom into the ranks of the world’s most advanced digital governments and ushering in a new era of computational sovereignty and artificial intelligence.

Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi leadership has placed technology at the core of national transformation and economic diversification. The objective was not limited to providing electronic services, but to reshaping society and institutions to leverage the digital age fully.

Saudi Arabia and digital services

The United Nations E-Government Survey 2022 ranked Saudi Arabia in the highest category of the E-Government Development Index, placing the kingdom 31st out of 193 countries. Riyadh was also ranked among the top cities globally for the quality of online services.

The ranking reflects extensive government efforts to modernize communications infrastructure and services, positioning Saudi Arabia among countries rated “very high” in digital service delivery.

The report noted that digital transformation under Vision 2030 aims to reshape Saudi society and institutions toward a knowledge-based future, focusing on improving government services, stimulating investment and innovation, and aligning with sustainable development goals through world-class digital infrastructure.

Digital leadership during global crises

Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20 in 2020 under King Salman marked a historic moment that underscored the kingdom’s emergence as a global digital leader. Held at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit was held virtually, making it the first online G20 leaders’ summit.

The event demonstrated the maturity of Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and its ability to host a major international gathering through secure and reliable digital platforms. It also highlighted the leadership’s use of technology and data to coordinate global responses to health and economic crises.

Under King Salman, the summit became a global model for how a digital state can continue to lead and make decisions under extreme circumstances, in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision of a smart government and a knowledge-based economy.

Digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence

As part of efforts to strengthen artificial intelligence infrastructure, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority announced in early 2026 the launch and operation of the Hexagon data center. The facility is one of the largest data centers in the region and the world’s largest government data center.

Hexagon is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digital sovereignty project, providing high-performance computing capabilities for storing and processing national data, training advanced AI models, and enabling government agencies and the private sector to develop intelligent solutions locally.

The project falls under the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence launched during King Salman’s reign, reflecting the leadership’s vision of data and AI as key enablers of development, economic leadership, and national sovereignty.

SDAIA and artificial intelligence

To implement Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia established new institutions focused on data and AI, led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The authority was established by royal order on August 30, 2019, and reports directly to the prime minister.

SDAIA oversees all matters related to data, artificial intelligence, and big data, including protecting national data and developing national strategies.

Among its initiatives, SDAIA launched the National Data Bank, integrating more than 150 government datasets, and the Deem Government Cloud, which hosts more than 149 government data centers and provides cloud services to over 40 entities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SDAIA developed digital services including the Boroq virtual meetings platform, the Tawakkalna and Tabaud applications, and the unified national access service Nafath.

In September 2020, SDAIA adopted five national data governance policies covering data classification, personal data protection, data sharing, freedom of information, and open data, providing a framework for secure and transparent data exchange.

The National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence was launched on October 21, 2020, with targets including placing Saudi Arabia among the top 15 countries in AI, the top 10 in open data, and the top 20 in scientific research contributions.

The strategy aims to train more than 20,000 specialists, attract 75 billion riyals in investment, and establish 300 AI-focused startups.

Digital government

On March 9, 2021, the Council of Ministers established the Digital Government Authority to replace the Yesser E-government program. The authority reports to the prime minister and serves as the national regulator for digital government activities.

Its mandate includes developing the national digital government strategy, setting technical standards, overseeing government cloud governance, and building national capabilities.

The authority aims to place Saudi Arabia among the world’s top 10 digital governments and, in 2022, launched the Digital Government Investment and Procurement Center, known as SADAF, to encourage private-sector participation and shift government digital services from capital expenditure to operational expenditure models.

Cybersecurity governance

Cybersecurity has been positioned as a core pillar of digital transformation. The National Cybersecurity Authority was established in 2017 by royal order to protect critical infrastructure, government services, and national interests.

The authority develops and implements the national cybersecurity strategy, manages cyber risk across sectors, operates national monitoring and response centers, and issues standards and controls. Updated Essential Cybersecurity Controls were issued in 2024, aligned with global standards such as NIST and ISO 27001.

Global digital rankings

Saudi Arabia has made notable advances in global digital government indicators. The World Bank’s Digital Government Maturity Index 2022 ranked the kingdom third globally and first regionally, with a maturity score of 97.13 percent.

The report showed scores of 96.29 percent for core government systems, 97.93 percent for service delivery, and 96.62 percent for citizen engagement.

Personal data protection

Saudi Arabia enacted the Personal Data Protection Law under Royal Decree No. M 19 in 2021. The law came into force on September 14, 2023, following a one-year transition period.

The law applies to entities inside the kingdom and those processing data of Saudi individuals abroad. It mandates the registration of data controllers, the appointment of data protection officers, the adoption of privacy policies, the conduct of impact assessments, and strict requirements for cross-border data transfers. Sensitive data is prohibited from use in marketing.

International digital cooperation

Saudi Arabia has also expanded its global digital role through the International Digital Cooperation Organization, launched in November 2020 and headquartered in Riyadh. Membership has grown to 11 countries.

The organization aims to promote inclusive digital prosperity through policy development and best practices, earning praise from United Nations officials for its potential to build digital capacity and share expertise.

From use to production in artificial intelligence

Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation has driven AI adoption across government sectors. The Ministry of Interior uses data analytics and crowd management technologies during Hajj and Umrah.

In healthcare, platforms such as Tawakkalna and Mawid have improved diagnostics and service delivery.

The Ministry of Transport has deployed algorithms to manage traffic and reduce accidents, while innovative city projects use connected infrastructure to improve municipal services, energy, and water management.

Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the Government AI Strategy Index issued by Tortoise Intelligence in 2023, reflecting strength in policy development, talent building, and technology adoption.

Strategic partnership with the United States

On May 12, 2025, ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of HUMAIN, an artificial intelligence company owned by the Public Investment Fund.

The company aims to develop data centers, cloud computing services, and advanced AI models, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global technology hub.

The launch coincided with Trump’s visit and the Saudi US Investment Forum in Riyadh, where artificial intelligence featured prominently. Subsequent agreements included US approval to export advanced Nvidia Blackwell chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reflecting confidence in the kingdom’s AI ambitions.

Saudi Arabia and the United States announced a strategic AI partnership to build AI infrastructure, advance research, and deploy applications across sectors. Major US technology firms, including AMD, Oracle, and Microsoft, invested billions of dollars in data centers and cloud services.

A shift from consumption to production

The establishment of HUMAIN marks a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s AI journey, signaling a move from technology consumption to production.

The company aims to develop Arabic large language models, build domestic high-performance computing infrastructure, launch AI platforms for government and industry, and form partnerships with global technology leaders.

HUMAIN will also focus on developing national talent and linking research with industrial applications, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s transition toward computational sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation under King Salman has gone beyond upgrading government services, laying the foundations of an integrated digital state built on data, regulation, and advanced technologies.

Institutions such as SDAIA, the Digital Government Authority, and the National Cybersecurity Authority form a comprehensive digital governance ecosystem that has propelled the kingdom to leading global positions in digital government and artificial intelligence.

 

 

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Gulf

World Defense Show Ends in Riyadh with 220 Deals, 60 Arms Contracts

Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries says show drew 137,000 visitors (World Defense Show)
Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries says show drew 137,000 visitors (World Defense Show)
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World Defense Show Ends in Riyadh with 220 Deals, 60 Arms Contracts

Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries says show drew 137,000 visitors (World Defense Show)
Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries says show drew 137,000 visitors (World Defense Show)

Engineer Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, said the third edition of the World Defense Show was the product of two years of coordinated work by government entities and private sector partners to deliver what he described as a landmark event.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Malham, north of Riyadh, Al-Ohali said the exhibition was held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, with the follow-up and supervision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman.

The authority organizes the show every two years as part of its mandate to build and support the military industries sector, he said, in a drive to boost military readiness, advance self-sufficiency, and meet Saudi Vision 2030’s target of localizing more than 50 percent of military spending by 2030.

Held under the theme “Future of Defense Integration,” the exhibition showcased what Al-Ohali described as a shift toward a fully integrated defense ecosystem rooted in partnerships, innovation, technology transfer, stronger supply chains, and the development of national talent.

This year’s edition, he said, stood out for its local innovations, the Defense Industry Lab, Saudi capabilities and homegrown talent, alongside closer alignment between education, training and sector needs.

Saudi Arabia has made what Al-Ohali called a historic leap in localizing military spending, rising from 4 percent in 2018 to 25 percent by the end of 2024, a fourfold increase in eight years.

The national workforce in the sector grew from 25,000 in 2020 to 34,000, an increase of about 40 percent, with Saudis now accounting for 63 percent of total employees.

He said the gains reflect a structural transformation since the authority’s establishment in 2018, with the sector moving from full dependence on imports to building an integrated and sustainable national industrial base.

“This is still the beginning,” he said, reaffirming the goal of surpassing 50 percent localization and achieving high local content by 2030.

Al-Ohali said 26 government entities backed the preparation and execution of the show. Over five days, the third edition set records, attracting 1,486 local and international exhibitors from 89 countries, including the world’s top 10 defense companies.

The event hosted 513 official delegations representing 121 governments and attracted 137,000 visitors. Exhibition space expanded to more than 272,000 square meters, up 58 percent from the previous edition, with four halls compared with three in earlier editions.

One of the region’s largest specialized aerial and static displays featured 63 static aircraft and 25 aircraft in live air shows, including F-16, F-15, F-35, and Typhoon jets, with participation from the Saudi Falcons and South Korea’s Black Eagles.

The static display area included around 700 military assets. A dedicated naval platform featured participation from 10 countries, alongside an outdoor platform for unmanned systems and a zone for live land demonstrations.

Al-Ohali said the exhibition generated 73 memorandums of understanding and 220 agreements in total, including 93 intergovernmental deals and 127 agreements between companies. Sixty arms procurement contracts were signed, totaling 33 billion riyals, exceeding the totals recorded in the two previous editions.

He said the agreements, memorandums, meetings, and contracts were central to the exhibition’s objectives. The strong turnout, he added, signaled international confidence in Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner and an attractive destination for defense investment, reflecting growing trust in the Kingdom’s investment environment, particularly in military industries.

Planning has already begun for the next edition in 2028, Al-Ohali said, adding that the third edition demonstrated the sector’s ability to deliver results.

The exhibition is no longer just a display space, he said. It has become an active platform to shape the future of defense integration, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as an international hub for integrated defense industries.

He said the Kingdom will continue strengthening its standing among nations that manufacture and develop military technologies, aiming to become a regional and global center in this strategic field.

Gulf

UNRWA’s Lazzarini Warns Ignoring Gaza Risks New Generation of Anger

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Photo: Turky Alagili
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Photo: Turky Alagili
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UNRWA’s Lazzarini Warns Ignoring Gaza Risks New Generation of Anger

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Photo: Turky Alagili
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Photo: Turky Alagili

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, says UNRWA’s future cannot remain “hostage indefinitely” to the absence of a political solution, as he prepares to leave his post next month.

In a wide-ranging interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Lazzarini called for a gradual shift in how services are delivered, allowing Palestinian institutions to eventually build the capacity to take over.

At the same time, he warned that abandoning nearly 2 million people in Gaza, half of them children, to trauma and hopelessness risks sowing the seeds of new generations of anger.

Strong backing from Saudi Arabia

Lazzarini said UNRWA’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia is “strong,” both financially and politically.

Riyadh, he said, is deeply engaged in the political process and works with the EU under the umbrella of the “Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” where UNRWA has been invited to be part of the broader discussions.

For Lazzarini, sustainable access to essential services must rest on a clear political framework. Saudi Arabia and other partners in the alliance have helped provide that framework and voiced firm political support for the agency during what he described as a challenging period.

He said the Kingdom’s level of political engagement and the initiatives advanced within the alliance left a strong impression. Inviting a humanitarian-development agency such as UNRWA into discussions about the future of Palestinian institutions, he said, reflects the seriousness of that partnership.

A funding squeeze and a “silent war”

UNRWA is also battling a chronic funding crisis. After a year of austerity, Lazzarini said he was forced weeks ago to cut services by around 20%, including health care and education, affecting beneficiaries directly.

Beyond Gaza, he warned of what he called a “silent war” in the occupied West Bank, overshadowed by events in the enclave.

Over the past two years, developments there have come “close to de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank,” he said. Settlement expansion has accelerated. Settler violence has risen “with little accountability.” Large-scale security operations, especially in Jenin and Tulkarm, have emptied camps and displaced large numbers of residents.

Palestinian refugee children are seen at a camp in Gaza city. Reuters

Gaza pushed beyond the brink

What has happened in Gaza, Lazzarini said, “defies description.” The suffering, he added, is “unbearable.”

Once described as an open-air prison, Gaza has, after more than two years of unrelenting war, become a landscape of daily atrocities carried out almost around the clock, before the eyes of the world.

Between 80% and 90% of the territory has been destroyed, he said, leaving behind a “post-catastrophic” environment. The population is in constant flight. More than 70,000 people have been killed, according to estimates, not counting those still buried beneath the rubble.

He described systematic starvation driven by political decisions and efforts to make life in the enclave untenable, pushing residents toward departure.

More than 380 UNRWA staff members have been killed, he said. Others were detained and tortured. Agency facilities were struck. The violations of international law, he added, have gone largely unpunished, deepening what he called a climate of impunity.

Political targeting and pressure

Lazzarini said he himself faced “political and diplomatic targeting” during his tenure, tied not to his person but to his office and what UNRWA represents.

After his first visit to Gaza, he was declared persona non grata and barred from returning, with instructions issued not to engage with him.

The targeting was not directed personally as much as at the function and the symbolism of UNRWA, he said. Some Israeli officials, he noted, have openly stated that their objective is to end the agency’s role, seeing it as perpetuating the refugee issue.

UNRWA’s 75-year existence, he argued, does not explain the problem. Instead, it reflects the international community’s failure to reach a just and lasting political solution.

The two-state solution

Lazzarini reaffirmed that the two-state path remains “a fundamental option,” but warned that developments in Gaza and the West Bank are pushing any serious political horizon further out of reach.

The events after Oct. 7, he said, should have been “a wake-up call.” This conflict, he stressed, cannot be left unresolved.

Nearly 2 million people in Gaza, half of them children, are living in profound trauma with no clear future. Ignoring that reality, he warned, means planting anger in a new generation, with consequences for the region’s stability.

He also voiced concern that solidarity and compassion are no longer driving international responses as they once did. In both Gaza and Sudan, he said, he sensed “a great deal of indifference” toward vast humanitarian crises.

Yet he insisted the core lesson is to hold fast to humanitarian values, however bleak the circumstances. The alternative, he warned, is a world stripped of standards and restraint, ruled by the law of the jungle rather than international law.

For Lazzarini, sustainable access to essential services must rest on a clear political framework.

Rethinking UNRWA’s future

Looking ahead, Lazzarini said UNRWA cannot continue indefinitely in its current form.

He called for a phased transition in service delivery, enabling Palestinian institutions to build capacity to assume those responsibilities over time.

The agency must remain the custodian of the refugee cause until a just solution is achieved, he said. But the mechanics of delivering services should not remain frozen, waiting endlessly for a political breakthrough.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Issues Royal Orders Appointing New Ministers, Governors

File photo of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz - SPA
File photo of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Issues Royal Orders Appointing New Ministers, Governors

File photo of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz - SPA
File photo of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz - SPA

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a series of Royal Decrees on Thursday including a decree appointing Fahd Al Saif as the new investment minister, replacing Khalid Al-Falih.

Al Saif was previously head of the PIF's investment strategy and economic insights division. Al-Falih has instead been appointed as a Minister of State and a member of the cabinet.

Other Royal Decrees were also issued as follows:

Abdullah Al-Maghlouth shall be appointed Vice Minister of Media.
Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad shall be appointed Vice Minister of Tourism.
Khalid Al-Yousef shall be appointed Attorney General.
Sheikh Ali Al-Ahaideb shall be appointed President of the Board of Grievances.
Faihan Al-Sahli shall be appointed Director General of the General Directorate of Investigation.
Abdulaziz Al-Arifi shall be appointed Governor of the National Development Fund.
Haytham Al-Ohali shall be appointed Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
Fawaz Al-Sahli shall be appointed President of the Transport General Authority.