Riyadh, December 29, 2024 – In a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's ongoing digital transformation, the Ministry of Interior has announced that the number of unified digital identities issued through its Absher electronic platform has surpassed 28 million. This achievement is part of the Kingdom's broader initiative to modernize its public sector services and enhance accessibility for citizens. The Absher platform, which offers a comprehensive range of over 460 services, is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure, and it is helping to reshape the delivery of public services for individuals, businesses, and government entities alike.
The digital identities provided by Absher contain essential information that enables users to access a wide array of services, streamlining both governmental and private transactions. These digital IDs serve as a vital tool in enhancing the speed, efficiency, and security of services offered to citizens. They also play a crucial role in achieving the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in improving the quality of services and fostering the growth of a robust digital economy.
One of the primary benefits of these digital identities is the ease with which users can access various services through the Absher platform. Whether interacting with government services or connecting with private platforms, users can now complete secure and reliable transactions via the unified national access portal, Nafath. This integration of government and private sector platforms is helping to build trust in digital transactions, thus supporting the Kingdom's efforts to drive forward its digital transformation agenda and encourage participation in e-governance.
The Ministry of Interior’s digital transformation efforts have been ongoing for decades, and Absher is the result of an evolution driven by a variety of methodologies and programs. This platform has been instrumental in the development of e-government services, which have significantly enhanced the delivery of public services, bolstering user satisfaction and providing greater convenience for Saudi citizens.
Saudi Arabia’s digital advancements are evident on the global stage, as evidenced by its impressive rise in the UN e-Government Development Index 2024. The Kingdom has advanced 25 positions in this global ranking, now occupying 4th place worldwide, 1st place regionally, and 2nd place among G20 nations in the Digital Services Index. Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranks 7th in the E-Participation Index, and Riyadh itself secured 3rd place among 193 cities around the world, a testament to the success of the Kingdom’s digital initiatives.
The continued progress of Absher and other digital services reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to technological innovation and digital governance, helping to position the Kingdom as a leader in e-government and digital transformation globally. These initiatives not only improve the efficiency of public services but also contribute to creating a future-ready infrastructure that benefits both citizens and businesses.
