Saudi Arabia leads in digital transformation while others lag behind

On December 15, 2024, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development was recognized as a leader in digital advancement by ranking first among ministries and second overall among government agencies in the 2024 Digital Transformation Index during an award ceremony held in Riyadh. The event took place at the Digital Government Forum, where various discussions centered on innovative government digital strategies were conducted. The index reflects the nation's significant investments in technological modernization, highlighting the ministry's commitment to enhancing provision of services through digital means. Following the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Ministry of Justice obtained the second position, while the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Ministry of Energy followed, securing third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively among the 24 ministries evaluated. Each ministry's performance was assessed based on innovation and efficiency in delivering services as per modern digital standards. Moreover, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development received an excellence certificate from the Digital Government Authority for its Mowaamah application, designed to support services for individuals with disabilities. This recognition underscores the ministry’s impactful contributions to improving digital accessibility and user experience within the public sector. The digital transformation strategy adopted by the ministry encompasses more than 1,000 digital services and procedures, showcasing its ambition to greatly benefit a population exceeding 32 million people. This overarching strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals encapsulated in Vision 2030, which aims to improve the overall quality of life through enhanced public services in every aspect of governance, thereby positioning Saudi Arabia as a model of digital innovation in the region.