Tawakkalna Highlights Saudi Arabia's Digital Transformation Impacting 34 Million Users

Dr. Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait, Director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, highlighted the transformative impact of data and AI on global economies and societies. He emphasised how these technologies are reshaping international relations and sparking innovation. His comments were made during a session at the GREAT FUTURES initiative's closing conference, coinciding with the Saudi-UK Strategic Partnership Council meeting.

Dr. Al-Wagait pointed out that super apps are revolutionising digital transformation by offering users access to various services from multiple providers. He mentioned SDAIA's development of Tawakkalna, a national super app serving over 34 million users with more than 1,000 services from over 140 providers. This app exemplifies how digital platforms can streamline service delivery.

The Absher platform, another significant digital service by the Ministry of Interior, has notably reduced the necessity for physical visits to government offices. This reduction has eased congestion both in offices and on roads. Between 2018 and 2020, Absher helped decrease paper usage by approximately 560 million sheets and cut carbon emissions by about 500 million kilograms, saving over SAR17 billion annually.

SDAIA launched the National Strategy for Data and AI as part of Saudi Vision 2030 to establish the Kingdom as a leader in data- and AI-driven economies. Dr. Al-Wagait noted Saudi Arabia's progress in the Open Data Inventory report by Open Data Watch. The Kingdom advanced to 41st place globally in 2024, moving up 28 spots since 2022, and improved its G20 ranking from 15th to 9th.

International partnerships are crucial for tackling global digital challenges like AI governance, cybersecurity risks, data privacy issues, standardisation challenges, talent shortages, and digital skills gaps. Dr. Al-Wagait stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing these complex issues effectively.

Establishing Global Partnerships

Recognising the value of international cooperation, Saudi Arabia established the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh through SDAIA. This centre operates under UNESCO's auspices as a Category 2 Center. Such initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering global partnerships in AI research and ethics.

The advancements in digital transformation within Saudi Arabia reflect a broader trend towards integrating technology into everyday life. By leveraging data and AI technologies, the Kingdom aims to enhance its economic standing while addressing global challenges collaboratively.

With inputs from SPA