Latest news with #UnitedNationsE-GovernmentDevelopmentIndex
Bahrain News Gazette
06-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Saudi Arabia Tops MENA Region in E-Government Services in 2024
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked first among Middle East and North African countries in the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), achieving the top position for the third consecutive time with an overall maturity rate of 96%. According to Bahrain News Agency, the index reflects the strong support of the Saudi leadership for the digital government ecosystem. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Suwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority, emphasised that integration among government entities, the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies contributed to advancing the Kingdom's global position and enhancing the beneficiary experience. Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has made notable progress, rising from fourth place to second in 2021 and leading the index in 2022, 2023, and 2024, driven by advancements in digital services in the health and education sectors. These included digital prescriptions, appointment bookings, telehealth services, and remote learning platforms, which improved service quality and beneficiary satisfaction. The Kingdom outperformed 16 countries in the index, which assessed the maturity of 100 government services delivered via electronic portals and smart applications. Saudi Arabia scored 99% in service availability and development, 93% in service usage and beneficiary satisfaction, and 99% in public outreach. Saudi Arabia advanced 25 places in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index, becoming one of the world's leading countries. It ranked fourth globally and first regionally in the Digital Services Index, and seventh globally in the E-Participation Index.
Daily Tribune
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Moves to Enable ID Cards as Travel Documents
In a significant move towards advancing Bahrain's digital transformation, His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communications Technology, inaugurated three strategic projects at the Information & eGovernment Authority on Friday. The launch took place during his visit to the authority, accompanied by ICT committee members and senior officials. During the visit, HE the Interior Minister emphasized that the introduction of innovative digital technologies and the facilitation of secure government services reflect Bahrain's progressive and creative approach. He credited these advancements to the comprehensive national development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He further highlighted Bahrain's standing among the leading nations in the United Nations E-Government Development Index, attributing it to the country's commitment to digital transformation and enhanced government service efficiency. As part of these initiatives, HE the Interior Minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) to coordinate efforts for enabling ID cards to function as travel documents. This initiative involves integrating information between ID cards and passports while engaging with other countries for their recognition as valid travel credentials. A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the new self-service center, aligned with the government's 2023-2026 digital transformation strategy. The center features six self-service platforms that provide various government services, including identity data updates and electronic payment options, ensuring accessibility and convenience for citizens around the clock. HE the Interior Minister also inspected the progress of the ID Card Service Centre and received a briefing on the ID card development phases. The newly introduced advanced ID card incorporates cutting-edge technology, enhanced security features, and a modernized design that aligns with international standards. Furthering Bahrain's commitment to innovation, the minister inaugurated a pioneering national laboratory dedicated to developing prototypes for government solutions. This innovation lab aims to foster creativity within the public sector, enhance technical capabilities, build national expertise, and strengthen Bahrain's position as a regional leader in emerging technologies. Among its key initiatives is the enhancement of the 'Tawasul' system using artificial intelligence to improve service efficiency. Concluding his visit, HE the Interior Minister commended the Information & eGovernment Authority for its milestones in digital transformation and its continued efforts to provide efficient and reliable e-services for citizens and residents. He acknowledged the pivotal role of these projects in strengthening Bahrain's technological advancements and expressed gratitude to the authority's CEO and teams for their innovative contributions to the nation's digital progress.
Gulf Insider
13-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Ranks 4th And Riyadh 3rd Globally In Digital Services
Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally in the United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024 (EGDI 2024). The Kingdom jumped 25 places in the EGDI 2024 to be among the group of leading countries worldwide. It also ranked second among the G20 countries and first regionally in the digital services index in addition to achieving seventh place in the e-participation index. The city of Riyadh has achieved third place out of 193 cities around the world. Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha expressed his thanks and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the unlimited support that the technical and digital sector receives and the efforts being made to support the digital transformation in the government sector. Al-Swaha said that this leap and historical position of the Kingdom is the result of the support from the Crown Prince, noting that this support has culminated in Saudi Arabia's digital superiority and leadership, which reflects the plans and programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 'At the same time, it enhances the Kingdom's role as an effective and influential leader in the digital economy at the regional and global levels,' he said while stressing the Kingdom's determination to move forward in the journey of leadership, pioneering and transformation towards a national economy based on innovation. For his part, Governor of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan explained that the Kingdom's continued advancement in the United Nations E-Government Development Index reflects the support of the wise leadership to provide the best government digital services to all segments of beneficiaries. He appreciated the keenness and follow-up that the digital government has received through the executive programs of Saudi Vision 2030, saying that this had a great impact on advancing its ranking in the index, through reforms and investments that contributed to enhancing the efficiency of joint work by adopting emerging technologies and launching many digital initiatives and products. 'The efforts of the Digital Government Authority, in partnership and integration with all government agencies, have contributed to the Kingdom reaching this advanced position. This is through working to adopt the latest digital solutions to enhance the maturity of digital government services, launching a set of regulations and guidelines, providing advisory programs, and encouraging promising leaders and competencies in the field of digital transformation,' he added. The UN report praised the Kingdom's great development in the field of digital government, as it achieved the sixth rank globally, and the Kingdom has witnessed qualitative investments over the past years since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom jumped in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) by 53 ranks, and achieved remarkable progress in the Human Capital Index (HCI) with an advancement of 31 ranks. The report also highlighted the Electronic Services Index (OSI) and the qualitative leap of 67 ranks to occupy the fourth rank globally in 2024, in addition to the maturity of government digital regulations that reached 100 percent. The percentage of availability and sharing of open government data for citizens and business sectors reached 100 percent. Saudi Arabia advanced 60 ranks in electronic participation and consultations directed to individuals and business sectors. It is noteworthy that the E-Government Development Index is one of the most important international indicators for more than 20 years and is issued every two years. It reflects the impact of structural reforms in increasing productivity, raising efficiency and improving the experience through the development of digital governments of the member states of the United Nations. The reports it issues are a basic reference for measuring government performance among all countries of the world.
Saudi Gazette
12-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia ranks 4th and Riyadh 3rd globally in digital services
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally in the United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024 (EGDI 2024). The Kingdom jumped 25 places in the EGDI 2024 to be among the group of leading countries worldwide. It also ranked second among the G20 countries and first regionally in the digital services index in addition to achieving seventh place in the e-participation index. The city of Riyadh has achieved third place out of 193 cities around the world. Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha expressed his thanks and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the unlimited support that the technical and digital sector receives and the efforts being made to support the digital transformation in the government sector. Al-Swaha said that this leap and historical position of the Kingdom is the result of the support from the Crown Prince, noting that this support has culminated in Saudi Arabia's digital superiority and leadership, which reflects the plans and programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 'At the same time, it enhances the Kingdom's role as an effective and influential leader in the digital economy at the regional and global levels,' he said while stressing the Kingdom's determination to move forward in the journey of leadership, pioneering and transformation towards a national economy based on innovation. For his part, Governor of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan explained that the Kingdom's continued advancement in the United Nations E-Government Development Index reflects the support of the wise leadership to provide the best government digital services to all segments of beneficiaries. He appreciated the keenness and follow-up that the digital government has received through the executive programs of Saudi Vision 2030, saying that this had a great impact on advancing its ranking in the index, through reforms and investments that contributed to enhancing the efficiency of joint work by adopting emerging technologies and launching many digital initiatives and products. 'The efforts of the Digital Government Authority, in partnership and integration with all government agencies, have contributed to the Kingdom reaching this advanced position. This is through working to adopt the latest digital solutions to enhance the maturity of digital government services, launching a set of regulations and guidelines, providing advisory programs, and encouraging promising leaders and competencies in the field of digital transformation,' he added. The UN report praised the Kingdom's great development in the field of digital government, as it achieved the sixth rank globally, and the Kingdom has witnessed qualitative investments over the past years since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom jumped in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) by 53 ranks, and achieved remarkable progress in the Human Capital Index (HCI) with an advancement of 31 ranks. The report also highlighted the Electronic Services Index (OSI) and the qualitative leap of 67 ranks to occupy the fourth rank globally in 2024, in addition to the maturity of government digital regulations that reached 100 percent. The percentage of availability and sharing of open government data for citizens and business sectors reached 100 percent. Saudi Arabia advanced 60 ranks in electronic participation and consultations directed to individuals and business sectors. It is noteworthy that the E-Government Development Index is one of the most important international indicators for more than 20 years and is issued every two years. It reflects the impact of structural reforms in increasing productivity, raising efficiency and improving the experience through the development of digital governments of the member states of the United Nations. The reports it issues are a basic reference for measuring government performance among all countries of the world.
Saudi Gazette
12-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia ranks 4th and Riyadh 3rd globally in digital services
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally in the United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024 (EGDI 2024). The Kingdom jumped 25 places in the EGDI 2024 to be among the group of leading countries worldwide. It also ranked second among the G20 countries and first regionally in the digital services index in addition to achieving seventh place in the e-participation index. The city of Riyadh has achieved third place out of 193 cities around the world. Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha expressed his thanks and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the unlimited support that the technical and digital sector receives and the efforts being made to support the digital transformation in the government sector. Al-Swaha said that this leap and historical position of the Kingdom is the result of the support from the Crown Prince, noting that this support has culminated in Saudi Arabia's digital superiority and leadership, which reflects the plans and programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 'At the same time, it enhances the Kingdom's role as an effective and influential leader in the digital economy at the regional and global levels,' he said while stressing the Kingdom's determination to move forward in the journey of leadership, pioneering and transformation towards a national economy based on innovation. For his part, Governor of the Digital Government Authority Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan explained that the Kingdom's continued advancement in the United Nations E-Government Development Index reflects the support of the wise leadership to provide the best government digital services to all segments of beneficiaries. He appreciated the keenness and follow-up that the digital government has received through the executive programs of Saudi Vision 2030, saying that this had a great impact on advancing its ranking in the index, through reforms and investments that contributed to enhancing the efficiency of joint work by adopting emerging technologies and launching many digital initiatives and products. 'The efforts of the Digital Government Authority, in partnership and integration with all government agencies, have contributed to the Kingdom reaching this advanced position. This is through working to adopt the latest digital solutions to enhance the maturity of digital government services, launching a set of regulations and guidelines, providing advisory programs, and encouraging promising leaders and competencies in the field of digital transformation,' he added. The UN report praised the Kingdom's great development in the field of digital government, as it achieved the sixth rank globally, and the Kingdom has witnessed qualitative investments over the past years since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom jumped in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) by 53 ranks, and achieved remarkable progress in the Human Capital Index (HCI) with an advancement of 31 ranks. The report also highlighted the Electronic Services Index (OSI) and the qualitative leap of 67 ranks to occupy the fourth rank globally in 2024, in addition to the maturity of government digital regulations that reached 100 percent. The percentage of availability and sharing of open government data for citizens and business sectors reached 100 percent. Saudi Arabia advanced 60 ranks in electronic participation and consultations directed to individuals and business sectors.
