Revolutionizing Efficiency: Digital Advancements in Saudi Arabia
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia has leveraged digital advancements to revolutionize key sectors, eliminating the need for physical visits to government departments and resulting in substantial savings, according to a top official.
Enhancing Basic Services: A Vision 2030 Initiative
Speaking at the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group, Ahmed Al-Suwaiyan, governor of the Digital Government Authority, emphasized the significant improvements brought about by digitalization as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives aimed at enhancing basic services.
Boosting Productivity and Cutting Costs
Al-Suwaiyan highlighted the tangible benefits of increased productivity and reduced expenses for governments, citizens, and businesses. Previously, tasks such as the issuance or renewal of national IDs, driving licenses, or passports would take over four hours, including waiting time. Today, these processes can be completed in less than two minutes with just three clicks, eliminating the need for physical visits and resulting in savings of over 160 million trips and more than SR23 million annually.
Digitization: A Game-Changer for Vision 2030
Al-Suwaiyan emphasized how digital transformation has impacted every pillar of the Vision 2030 goals, driving rapid advancements within the Kingdom. Digitalization serves as a key enabler across sectors and objectives, facilitating a vibrant society and a thriving economy through enhanced citizen participation and engagement.
Efficiency in the Justice Sector
The Kingdom has witnessed a similar transformation in the justice sector, with the establishment of fully operational virtual courts where 95 percent of hearings are conducted online. The focus is not just on implementing virtual courts but on achieving specific outcomes, such as a significant reduction in case processing time from 217 days to just 30 days.
Unlocking Value Through Digital Transformation
The reduction in processing time exemplifies the tangible value derived from digital transformation efforts, underscoring the importance of efficiency and cost savings for governments, citizens, and businesses in Saudi Arabia.