Saudi Digital Government Authority: A National System Leading the Smart Transformation to Serve People First

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A National Model of Digital Governance Serving People First

The Digital Government Authority (DGA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a pioneering entity leading the national digital transformation. It develops the systems and policies that empower government entities to deliver integrated, accessible, and secure digital services.

The Authority operates under a clear vision aimed at:

1. Enhancing integration among government entities through a unified digital infrastructure.

2. Improving the efficiency of public services by adopting the latest digital technologies.

3. Elevating user experience to ensure faster and simpler service delivery.

4. Guaranteeing the highest standards of cybersecurity and transparency in data management.

Thanks to its continuous efforts, the Authority has become a national model in employing digital governance to serve people first, achieving the smart transformation envisioned by Saudi Vision 2030.

Since its establishment in 2021, the DGA has acted as the central hub for digital transformation within the Saudi government sector. Beyond managing technology projects, it aims to build a comprehensive, data-driven digital ecosystem that operates according to governance standards ensuring efficiency and transparency in public performance.

People-Centered Digital Transformation

The Authority places people at the core of all its initiatives, believing that technology is not an end in itself but a powerful tool to serve individuals and enhance quality of life.
Its vision is to make government services more accessible, inclusive, and fair, ensuring that everyone can benefit with ease and transparency.

To achieve this, the DGA works across interconnected tracks that form the foundation of a more efficient and integrated digital government system:

• Unifying Government Efforts:
  The Authority strives to integrate government systems and platforms into a connected digital environment that facilitates data exchange and service interoperability, reducing duplication of work and accelerating administrative processes — ultimately improving performance and service quality.

• Facilitating Access to Services:
  Through unified digital platforms, citizens and residents can complete their government transactions electronically from one place, without the need to visit multiple entities. This approach saves time and effort and promotes inclusiveness for all segments of society.

• Enhancing the User Experience:
  The DGA gives great attention to designing smart, user-friendly interfaces based on best practices in digital design and interaction, ensuring a consistent and seamless experience across platforms and boosting trust in e-government services.

This comprehensive human-centered approach has made Saudi Arabia one of the leading countries that place people at the heart of their digital ecosystem, turning technology into a means of empowerment — not just a tool for automation.

Strategic Initiatives for Unified Digital Transformation

Among the Authority’s most significant initiatives is the National Digital Government Strategy, which serves as a unified roadmap for all government entities, guided by clear standards and precise performance indicators.

The strategy aims to direct national efforts toward building a data-driven, efficient, transparent, and innovative digital government.

Key pillars of this initiative include:

• Standardized Digital Transformation Frameworks:
  The DGA has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures all government entities follow consistent digital standards, promoting system interoperability and preventing duplication or conflict across digital projects.

• Monitoring Digital Performance through “Digital Maturity” Indicators:
  The Authority measures the progress of each government entity through regularly updated digital maturity indicators, helping identify performance gaps and drive continuous improvement.

• Empowering Entities through Data and Smart Analytics:
  Recognizing that data drives development, the DGA provides analytical tools and smart platforms that enable data-based decision-making, enhancing performance efficiency and improving service delivery.

These efforts have created broad institutional integration across government entities and unified national efforts toward the shared goal of a cohesive, effective, and sustainable digital government aligned with Vision 2030.

Information Security and Data Governance: A National Priority

The Digital Government Authority firmly believes that no digital ecosystem can succeed without strong security and protection foundations.
Trust in digital systems begins with their ability to safeguard data and ensure privacy.

Therefore, the DGA has given cybersecurity and data governance top strategic priority as key pillars for the sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.

Its integrated efforts include:

• Establishing Strict Data Protection Policies:
  The DGA launched comprehensive regulatory frameworks to secure government and personal data, mandating compliance with global best practices in information security and data management.

• Enhancing Collaboration with Cybersecurity Entities:
  The Authority works closely with the National Cybersecurity Authority and other specialized bodies to ensure government systems are well-prepared against cyber threats, with effective response and recovery mechanisms in place.

• Promoting a Culture of Security Awareness:
  Through targeted awareness and training programs, the DGA fosters a sustainable cybersecurity culture among public sector employees and users, empowering them to recognize and prevent digital risks.

By balancing technological innovation with privacy protection, the Authority has strengthened public trust in digital government services, making security a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey.

Digital Platforms: Tools for Empowerment and Development

Beyond policies and regulations, the Authority has introduced practical solutions that empower government entities to innovate and improve their digital performance, including:

• “Raqmi” Portal: A comprehensive digital platform that enables government agencies to manage and assess their digital services efficiently.

• Digital Support Centers: Providing guidance and technical training for public sector employees across various digital fields.

• Digital Performance Evaluation Systems: Tools designed to measure service quality and encourage continuous improvement.

These platforms have made government operations more organized, transparent, and efficient, contributing significantly to performance excellence.

Tangible Achievements Despite Challenges

In a short period, the Digital Government Authority has achieved remarkable progress that has reshaped government service delivery in Saudi Arabia and positioned it as a central driver of national digital transformation.

Key achievements include:

• Raising Saudi Arabia’s global ranking in e-government and digital transformation indices.

• Expanding unified e-services that can be completed in minutes without paperwork.

• Achieving interoperability among dozens of government entities through secure, connected systems.

Despite these milestones, challenges remain — including:

• Transforming institutional culture within traditional entities still reliant on manual processes.

• Enhancing digital skills among government employees to adapt to new technologies.

• Keeping pace with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics.

Nevertheless, what truly distinguishes the DGA is its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and cross-sector collaboration, striving toward a single national goal:
a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent digital government that places people at its center — fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and its aspirations for a thriving digital future.

Conclusion

The Digital Government Authority is not merely a regulatory body; it is a symbol of a new era in Saudi public administration — one where digital transformation becomes a way of life, not just a technical project.
With the ongoing support of the Kingdom’s leadership and the ambitious vision of Vision 2030, today’s digital progress marks only the beginning of a deeper phase of empowerment and smart governance, where the citizen remains at the heart of every decision and service.