Saudi Arabia ranks first in MENA for digital government for fourth consecutive year

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia ranks first regionally in digital government services for the fourth consecutive year, the Digital Government Authority (DGA) reported. The 2025 Global E-Government Maturity Index (GEMS) also assessed 197 cities worldwide and selected Riyadh as the headquarters of the Global Digital Government Center, in partnership with the United Nations. Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the highest-ranked country in the Middle East and North Africa in the 2025 GEMS, issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), securing first place in the region for the fourth consecutive year with a score of 99 percent. The Kingdom's achievement of topping the index — which measures 17 countries based on an assessment of 100 government services provided through official digital portals and applications — reflects the continued maturity of Saudi Arabia's digital government and its sustained regional progress. DGA Governor Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan said the result reflects the Kingdom's leadership's unlimited support for the digital transformation ecosystem, adding that the digital government continues to develop an integrated government model that places beneficiaries at the center, enhances the competitiveness of the national economy, and improves government performance in line with sustainable development. Alsuwaiyan added that the achievement demonstrates the Kingdom's advanced position in digital government and its adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, making Saudi Arabia a global benchmark for improving business efficiency and strengthening the digital economy. In addition to ranking first overall, the Kingdom also achieved perfect scores in the sub-indicators for service availability and development (100 percent) and public access to services (100 percent), while recording 99 percent in the service usage and user satisfaction indicator. In healthcare, digital services have enabled beneficiaries to complete many procedures electronically, facilitating more efficient access to medical services. Digital solutions have also accelerated customs clearance procedures, improved transaction efficiency, and enhanced the digital experience across government entities. The authority also highlighted the role of advanced technologies, including big data and artificial intelligence, in delivering more proactive and reliable services for citizens, residents, and visitors, while strengthening cybersecurity and digital trust to ensure secure and seamless access to government services.