Saudi Arabia Tops Regionally, Ranks 9th Globally and 6th in G20 for Geospatial Excellence
- Abida Ahmad
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
What This Article Is About
This article highlights Saudi Arabia’s remarkable rise in the 2025 Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Readiness Index, where it now ranks 9th globally, 1st in the Arab world, and 6th among G20 countries. It reveals how this leap supports Vision 2030 by advancing innovation, digital transformation, and global leadership in geospatial intelligence.
Saudi Arabia’s Geospatial Leap: Leading with Vision and Precision
Madrid, April 23, 2025 – In a powerful display of technological progress and strategic leadership, Saudi Arabia has ascended from 32nd in 2022 to 9th globally in the Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Readiness Index, as announced during the Geospatial World Forum 2025 in Madrid. The Kingdom now ranks first in the Middle East and Arab world, and sixth among G20 nations.
This leap reflects the visionary leadership and unwavering support of GEOSA (General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information), as well as its success in building a modern geospatial ecosystem. The GKI Index, supported by the United Nations Statistics Division, compares global readiness in adopting geospatial knowledge to promote economic growth, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia excelled across three core areas:
6th in Policy Axis: Recognized for top-tier governance and international standard-setting.
7th in Infrastructure Axis: Honored for its national geospatial platform benefiting sectors from academia to private enterprise.
8th in Geospatial Industry Axis: Noted for strategic partnerships across industries.
The selection of Riyadh as the headquarters of the UN Global Geospatial Ecosystem Center of Excellence affirms Saudi Arabia’s role as a global innovation leader.
This progress is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030, which focuses on digital transformation, institutional excellence, and global collaboration. The Kingdom’s investment in this sector showcases its rich heritage of exploration and commitment to a tech-powered, future-ready society.
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Be part of a world-leading innovation movement. See how Saudi Arabia is mapping the future with precision, purpose, and progress.
Final Words
Saudi Arabia’s leap in geospatial leadership affirms its bold transformation into a digital powerhouse—guided by Vision 2030, built on knowledge, and driven by excellence. As the Kingdom advances, it remains committed to empowering sectors, inspiring the world, and shaping the future through data and precision.
With warm regards and continued gratitude, Harry Stuckler Editor & Publisher, KSA.com
"Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia."On track to be the Kingdom’s largest platform by 2030.
Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to explore a nation of innovation, leadership, and limitless potential.
📌 Factbox Summary
Date & Event: April 23, 2025 – Geospatial World Forum, Madrid
Saudi Rank: 9th globally in GKI Readiness
Highlights: 1st in Arab world, 6th in G20
Vision 2030 Goal: Digital transformation, knowledge economy
Strategic Win: Riyadh named UN geospatial center HQ
Helpful Government Links
www.geosa.gov.sa – Access official updates from the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.
www.vision2030.gov.sa – Explore how Saudi Arabia’s digital ambitions are transforming its economy and global influence.
www.stats.gov.sa – Visit the General Authority for Statistics for insights on development indicators and national progress metrics.
FAQs
1. What is the GKI Readiness Index?
It’s a global benchmark developed by Geospatial World to assess how ready countries are in using geospatial knowledge for development.
2. How did Saudi Arabia perform in 2025?
It rose to 9th globally, 1st in the Arab world, and 6th among G20 nations—up from 32nd in 2022.
3. What is GEOSA’s role in this achievement?
GEOSA leads the Kingdom’s geospatial strategy, unifying national data and setting global standards.
4. How does this support Vision 2030?
It aligns with the goals of innovation, digital infrastructure, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global tech leader.
5. Why was Riyadh chosen as a UN center?
Riyadh’s excellence in geospatial governance earned it the title of global HQ for the UN’s Geospatial Center of Excellence.
6. What sectors benefit from geospatial readiness?
Public services, private businesses, academia, urban planning, and emergency response all gain efficiency and insight.
7. What does "geospatial infrastructure" include?
It includes national mapping systems, satellite data platforms, and digital tools for geography-based analysis.
8. How does Saudi Arabia compare with other G20 nations?
It ranks 6th, outperforming many developed countries in geospatial innovation.
9. What are the three axes in the GKI Index?
Policy, infrastructure, and industry readiness form the core assessment areas.
10. How does this impact everyday life?
It improves everything from smart city planning and disaster management to transportation and environmental monitoring.
11. What is the national geospatial platform?
A centralized digital system for accessing geospatial data, supporting both public and private sector users.
12. Who funds and supports GEOSA?
The Kingdom’s leadership and the Ministry of Defense support GEOSA’s strategic goals and operations.
13. What does this mean for international cooperation?
Saudi Arabia is now a preferred global partner in geospatial information, data science, and innovation.
14. Is the Kingdom involved with the UN in other ways?
Yes, this is one of several high-level collaborations with UN agencies across development sectors.
15. How can I learn more or get involved?
Visit www.geosa.gov.sa or follow GEOSA’s updates to explore projects, research, and partnership opportunities.