A recent report unveiled by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) highlights the Kingdom’s remarkable progress toward becoming a fully connected, technology-driven economy.

The report — the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 — was launched in Qatar, presenting a comprehensive analysis of digital growth across 80 countries that represent 94 percent of the global GDP.

The DCO emphasized that Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pioneer in building strong digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive digital access for all citizens.

This milestone showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing Vision 2030 objectives, transforming its economy into one powered by data, innovation, and sustainable development.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, stated that this achievement reinforces the Kingdom’s dedication to helping global policymakers design strategies that strengthen innovation ecosystems and digital governance frameworks.

These efforts align with the broader goal of achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth for all participating nations.

The report revealed that Saudi Arabia’s progress in digital transformation is supported by over 145 measurable indicators and a survey involving more than 41,000 participants across the world.

This extensive research provides valuable insights into how countries are advancing in digital infrastructure, innovation capacity, business growth, and governance transparency.

The Kingdom’s leadership reflects a forward-thinking vision that prioritizes inclusivity, opportunity, and technological empowerment.

One of the most notable highlights is Saudi Arabia’s success in the field of digital health and education. The Kingdom operates the world’s largest virtual hospital network, connecting over 224 hospitals across the nation.

In addition, AI-powered platforms like Sehhaty and Wasfaty have revolutionized healthcare accessibility and efficiency, ensuring that citizens receive timely and effective medical services.

These advancements underline how digitalization can bridge service gaps and enhance the quality of life.

The report also found that digital transformation has expanded global internet accessibility, with more than four out of five people in participating countries now having online access.

Lower and middle-income nations have shown the greatest improvement, proving that progress can be achieved with the right investments and policies.

Saudi Arabia’s support for cross-border collaboration has been instrumental in this global movement toward inclusion and connectivity.

Furthermore, the DCO highlighted how digital innovation has strengthened international trade. Online service portals are now fully functional in 66 countries, enabling easier access to cross-border services.

Another 10 countries are in the process of implementing similar platforms, which will further enhance global economic integration.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting equality in the digital sector is also evident. Global gender participation in digital activities has reached an average of 70.8 percent, and the Kingdom continues to push for more investment in digital education, especially for women. This initiative aims to close gender gaps and ensure equitable opportunities in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The DCO’s Secretary-General, Deemah Al-Yahya, stressed the importance of continued collaboration, stating that progress in digital transformation depends on governments adopting agile policies, businesses investing responsibly, and societies embracing innovation.

She added that through unity and innovation, countries can create a trusted, sustainable digital future where every nation can participate meaningfully.

Saudi Arabia’s continued advancements in AI, 5G technology, and digital infrastructure represent a significant stride toward building a knowledge-based economy.

The Kingdom’s digital transformation journey sets a global example of how technology, inclusivity, and visionary leadership can work together to drive progress and prosperity in the digital age.

According to the Digital Economy Navigator, a global framework measuring digital maturity, Saudi Arabia scored 91.2 in digital health and education and 83.1 in workforce training. These high scores underline the Kingdom’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into education, healthcare, and professional training programs, benefiting citizens across the country.

Alaa Abdulaal, chief of digital economy foresight at the Riyadh-based Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), told Arab News that the Kingdom is among the fastest transforming digital economies worldwide. She highlighted that Saudi Arabia is performing particularly well in digital education, digital health, and workforce development, and is considered a frontier country in terms of maturity across these pillars.

“The Kingdom is doing very well in digital education and digital health, as well as in digital work and training,” Abdulaal said, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in these sectors. She added that the Digital Economy Navigator not only measures progress but also provides guidance to identify strengths and areas requiring further development.

Saudi Arabia’s strong foundation in digital regulation has supported its rapid transformation, Abdulaal noted. The Kingdom has developed regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation, facilitate investment, and create a supportive environment for the digital economy, while also maintaining room for further improvement as technology evolves.

“From a regulation perspective, Saudi Arabia’s score is considered very good,” she said. “They are developing regulations that enable prosperity and accelerate the digital economy, ensuring growth across multiple sectors.” Abdulaal stressed that maintaining robust regulations is key to supporting sustainable digital transformation.

While the Kingdom excels in education, health, and workforce development, Abdulaal pointed out that digital innovation remains an area with significant potential.

Increased investment in research and development is critical to advancing technology adoption, fostering innovation, and maintaining leadership in the global digital economy.

“Digital innovation needs strong investment and focus, not only in Saudi Arabia but across all assessed countries,” she said. “The acceleration of technology underscores the need for research and development to drive growth in the digital economy.”

The Digital Economy Navigator collects data from both primary and secondary sources, including surveys of about 500 participants per country, capturing citizens’ perspectives on digital maturity.

This approach ensures that the digital economy reflects societal needs and priorities, aligning growth with public expectations.

Abdulaal emphasized the importance of human capital development as a foundation for a resilient digital economy. The framework evaluates how countries invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce, preparing society to participate in and benefit from advanced digital technologies.

“Human capital is a main pillar of the digital economy,” she said. “The enabler dimension focuses on digital capabilities, measuring how countries equip their citizens with essential skills for the future.”

She added that strong digital literacy is already evident in Saudi Arabia, but the next phase involves preparing for AI, Internet of Things, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s focus on education, health, and workforce training positions it to capitalize on the opportunities presented by advanced digital technologies.

By combining strong regulation, investment in innovation, and a skilled workforce, the Kingdom is setting the stage for sustainable growth and a thriving, future-ready digital economy.

The country’s achievements in digital health and education highlight its commitment to empowering citizens, enhancing quality of life, and maintaining global leadership in technology and innovation, firmly aligning with the long-term goals of Vision 2030.