Saudi Arabia retains top spot in UN digital government services index

July 23, 2026 (MLN): Saudi Arabia has retained its position as the leading country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the 2025 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS), published by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), marked its fourth consecutive year at the top.

The Kingdom achieved an overall maturity score of 99%, emphasizing the continued advancement of its digital government ecosystem and reinforcing its leadership in delivering integrated public services through digital platforms, according to APP.

According to the assessment, which evaluated 100 priority government services across 17 countries, Saudi Arabia secured a perfect score of 100% in both the Service Availability and Development and Public Outreach categories, while recording 99% in Service Usage and User Satisfaction.

Governor of the Digital Government Authority, Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, said the achievement reflects the leadership's continued support for building a citizen-centric digital government that enhances public service delivery, strengthens economic competitiveness and improves government efficiency.

He added that the Kingdom's progress is driven by the adoption of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, alongside the development of integrated digital platforms and streamlined government procedures, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia's digital transformation has expanded across key sectors, enabling easier access to public services. Citizens and residents can complete passport and national identity renewals, birth registrations and other civil services online, while digital platforms have also simplified judicial procedures, facilitated remote healthcare appointments and improved customs clearance processes.

The Kingdom attributed its progress to continued investment in digital infrastructure, stronger integration among government entities, enhanced digital accessibility for persons with disabilities, and wider use of data, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to deliver secure, proactive and efficient government services.

The latest recognition adds to Saudi Arabia's recent achievements in global digital governance rankings. Earlier this year, the Kingdom ranked second worldwide in the World Bank's GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) 2025 among 197 countries.

Riyadh has also been selected as the headquarters of the United Nations Center for Digital Government, established in partnership with the UN to promote research, innovation and international cooperation in digital governance.

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