Saudi Arabia Boosts Government Spending on Information and Communications Technology
In a bold move towards digital transformation, Saudi Arabia has seen a remarkable 20 percent year-on-year increase in government spending on information and communications technology in 2023, reaching an impressive SR41.87 billion ($11.16 billion), according to new data.
Enhancing Digital Government Services
The latest report from the Kingdom’s Digital Government Authority unveiled that this surge in spending has significantly improved the efficiency of digital government services and enhanced the overall experience of beneficiaries.
Impact on the Digital Economy
Furthermore, this substantial investment has left a positive mark on the digital economy, representing a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey.
Quotes from Government Officials
Faisal bin Ahmed Bakhshwin, deputy minister for digital transformation at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development, emphasized the importance of ICT spending in providing innovative solutions for the citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia.
Musaed Al-Otaibi, deputy minister for digital transformation and smart cities at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, highlighted the role of digital transformation in delivering high-quality services to citizens through innovative models.
Focus on Service Improvement
Al-Otaibi reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enhancing services and meeting the needs of urban residents by offering enriching and convenient services that simplify their daily lives.
Government ICT Expenditure Trends
The report disclosed that government ICT expenditure between 2019 and 2023 amounted to approximately SR120.15 billion, indicating a consistent upward trend and a significant investment in transformational projects within the sector.
Sectoral Breakdown of ICT Spending
Over the five-year period, the health and social development sector received the highest share of government ICT spend, followed by the military and infrastructure and transportation sectors.
Embracing Emerging Technologies
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in expenditure on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things, reflecting the country’s ambition to become a global hub for technological innovation and digital services in alignment with Vision 2030.