Saudi Arabia ranks top in region, 4th globally on UN’s digital government services index

Saudi Arabia ranks top in region, 4th globally on UN’s digital government services index
Saudi Arabia has jumped 25 places in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) 2024, becoming one of the leading countries worldwide, reported SPA on Tuesday. (Shutterstock/File)
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Updated 17 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia ranks top in region, 4th globally on UN’s digital government services index

Saudi Arabia ranks top in region, 4th globally on UN’s digital government services index
  • Minister of communications and IT says leap of 25 places on E-Government Development Index is result of the support and empowerment from country’s leadership
  • Compilers of the index also praise Kingdom for significant developments in wider field of digital government, in which it now ranks 6th in the world

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has climbed 25 places to become one of the leading countries in the global rankings on the UN’s E-Government Development Index for 2024, which was published on Tuesday.

The Kingdom ranks first in the region, second among G20 countries and fourth globally on the digital services index. It also achieved seventh place on the e-participation index, and Riyadh ranked third among 193 cities worldwide.

The compilers of the index also praised Saudi Arabia for its significant developments in the field of digital government, thanks to which it ranked sixth in the world.

The Saudi minister of communications and information technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, who also chairs the board of directors of the Digital Government Authority, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of efforts by the technical and digital sectors to digitally transform government services, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He said the leap forward to historically high rankings on the UN index was in particular the result of the support and empowerment provided by the crown prince, in keeping with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, for efforts to establish and enhance the Kingdom’s role as an influential leader in the digital economy, regionally and globally.

The governor of the Digital Government Authority, Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, said that the nation’s continued progress in the index rankings reflects the desire of the Saudi leadership to provide the best possible digital government services. In particular he praised Saudi Vision 2030 for the significant effects it has had on improving the Kingdom’s position on the index.

Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi Arabia has also climbed 53 places on the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index. In addition, the country has made notable progress on the Human Capital Index, advancing 31 places, and improved its position on the Online Service Index by 67 places to achieve fourth place globally this year.

The UN report noted that the maturity of digital government regulations in the Kingdom has reached a level of 100 percent, as has the accessibility and sharing of open government data with citizens and business sectors. Saudi Arabia also advanced 60 places on the index in terms e-participation and consultation with individuals and the business community.

The E-Government Development Index, which is published every two years, has been viewed as one of the most important international indicators of its kind for more than 20 years. It provides measure of the effects of structural reforms on productivity, efficiency and user experience as a result of the development of digital government frameworks and services in UN member states.


US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah
Updated 05 March 2025
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US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

JEDDAH: The US Consulate General in Jeddah marked the 249th US Independence Day with its annual celebration, themed “Celebrating 80 Years of the Vision of President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz: Shaping the Future Together.”

The event highlighted the long-standing US-Saudi partnership, focusing on business, innovation, and future collaboration.

Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia Alison Dilworth and Consul General Ali Lejlic welcomed Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi as the guest of honor.

It was attended by Fareed Al-Shehri, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah region, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests from various regions of the Kingdom.

Dilworth emphasized that the historic 1945 meeting between President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz established a deep and lasting friendship that continues to strengthen US-Saudi relations today.

The event featured an American Business Expo, showcasing US companies’ contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economic development, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure, aligned with Vision 2030.


Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah
Updated 05 March 2025
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Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah
  • Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.

Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.

It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.

Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.

Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.

The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.

The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.


Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials

Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials
Updated 05 March 2025
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Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials

Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials
  • Cultural center first in class to achieve Mostadam’s highest commendation for sustainability
  • Award reinforces ‘our dedication to leading by example,’ technical manager says

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture was recently awarded the highest level of certification from the government’s green building rating system, Mostadam.

Ithra, as it is more commonly known, is the first project in the Kingdom to achieve the top level of certification in the operations and existing buildings category.

Abdullah Al-Buqami, technical services manager at Ithra, said: “This recognition reflects our commitment to making Ithra a model of sustainability. We believe that innovation in design and environmental practices can truly shape the future.

“Being the only project receiving a certification in this category in Saudi Arabia is a major milestone in our sustainability journey, reinforcing our dedication to leading by example and inspiring others to elevate sustainability standards across the Kingdom.”

The certification is awarded to existing projects that meet the highest environmental standards and reflect local values. Seen as a benchmark for environmental and social impact, the scheme promotes sustainable practices by enhancing energy and water efficiency, improving environmental performance, optimizing resource management and reducing carbon footprint.

Developed by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, the Mostadam program is tailored to the local climate and environmental conditions. It promotes sustainability in building practices and aims to enhance the efficiency of energy, water and resource usage, while fostering economic growth and job creation. It also aligns with the wider goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Projects can achieve one of five ratings, from green to diamond, based on their adherence to the sustainability criteria.


Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration

Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration
Updated 05 March 2025
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Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration

Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration

RIYADH: The historic Al-Duwaid mosque in the Northern Borders region is among the places of worship undergoing restoration as part of a national project.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques focuses on preserving the building’s original Najdi architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The mosque is historically significant because of its location in Al-Duwaid village, which was a meeting point for traders from Najd and Iraq about 60 years ago.

The village is about 20 km from Rafha governorate and is the site of the remains of Souq Al-Mushahada, which still exist today.

The restoration will expand the area of the mosque from 137 sq. meters to 156 sq. meters, using high-quality materials and built according to traditional standards, setting it apart from modern structures.

After prayers at the site were suspended in years past, the SPA reported that the refurbished mosque will be able to accommodate 54 worshippers.

Al-Duwaid mosque was built 60 years ago using mud construction techniques and natural materials, renowned for their adaptation to the local environment and the hot desert climate.

The project will preserve techniques such as small square openings, strategically placed on the southern side to face the sunlight. These openings form a continuous strip along the mosque’s walls, allowing sunlight in while reducing the intake of cold air.

The mosque’s design features a low ceiling to retain warmth during the winter.

The crown prince’s project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques, according to the SPA.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work.

Phase two of the crown prince’s project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, in which 30 mosques were restored in 10 regions of the Kingdom.


Saudi hospital climbs global rankings

Saudi hospital climbs global rankings
Updated 05 March 2025
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Saudi hospital climbs global rankings

Saudi hospital climbs global rankings

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Riyadh has secured the top spot among hospitals in Arab and African countries.

The hospital confirmed its position as the top hospital in Saudi Arabia for the fourth consecutive year, according to Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of the world’s best hospitals.

KFSHRC jumped 20 places from last year’s list, a 9 percent improvement in the prestigious ranking, according to the hospital’s statement to Arab News.

The Saudi hospital is ranked 209th in the global ranking and is the only health facility from Arab and African countries on the list.

More than 2,400 hospitals were ranked this year, with an annual list of the top 250 hospitals published by Newsweek.

According to global data platform Statista, the number of hospitals worldwide is projected to reach 215,977 by 2026.

“With an overwhelming number of hospitals to choose from to close the gap and help prospective patients find the best care possible, Newsweek and Statista are proud to present the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, which shares the top hospitals worldwide,” Newsweek’s World's Best Hospitals 2025 reported on its website.

This year’s ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States. These countries were selected based on numerous comparability factors, such as standard of living, life expectancy, population size, number of hospitals and data availability.

The ranking is based on an extensive evaluation process, including an online survey of thousands of medical experts (doctors, hospital managers and healthcare professionals), patient experience data, hospital quality metrics and a Patient-Reported Outcome Measures implementation survey.

KFSHRC’s excellence is demonstrated through groundbreaking achievements such as the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and the first fully robotic implantation of an artificial heart pump.

In 2024, KFSHRC set a record with 1,111 organ transplants in a year, including 500 successful kidney transplants through the paired exchange program, reinforcing its status as a global leader in complex surgeries and organ transplantation.

The hospital also provided advanced medical care to patients from 17 countries, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier destination for healthcare.

Notably, KFSHRC was ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year and has been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings, the hospital said.