Saudi Arabia’s Al-Harbi appointed to UN panel of experts on geographical names.

What This Article Is About & Why It Matters

This article highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing global role in geospatial sciences, with Majdi Al-Harbi becoming the first Saudi and Arab national elected to the UNGEGN bureau. His appointment reflects the Kingdom’s leadership in geographical names standardization, cultural preservation, and cutting-edge innovation. This milestone supports Vision 2030’s goals for international cooperation, technological advancement, and cultural diplomacy.

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Vision-Aligned Article:

Saudi Geospatial Leader Joins UN Bureau

Saudi Arabia has taken another significant step on the global stage with Majdi Al-Harbi’s election as rapporteur and bureau member of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN). Representing the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), Al-Harbi’s appointment marks a historic first for both Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.

This achievement is not only symbolic—it is strategic. It underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing international dialogue, adopting global best practices, and contributing to global sustainable development through the management of geographical names.

During the UNGEGN session in New York, the Saudi delegation presented a comprehensive strategy for the Arab Division of Experts. This included a work program focused on developing a unified Romanization system for Arabic, standardizing geographical names, and integrating artificial intelligence into geospatial data systems. These advancements are essential for mapping, emergency response, tourism, national identity, and preserving heritage.

Saudi Arabia also actively participated in the session’s Virtual Exhibition, presenting scientific posters and digital innovations that drew international attention. The Kingdom’s leadership in this field reflects its robust capabilities in digital transformation, smart governance, and cultural preservation.

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Vision 2030 Alignment

This milestone embodies Vision 2030’s objectives:

• Empowering Saudi professionals to lead globally
• Elevating the Kingdom’s position in scientific innovation
• Preserving cultural identity through modern tools
• Strengthening regional cooperation in knowledge fields

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in geographical names is helping build a digital, data-driven future while honoring its historic roots.

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Historical Context

From the time of unification under King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia has prioritized national identity and territorial integrity. Today, that legacy continues with digital tools that standardize and protect the Kingdom’s geographical identity on a global scale.

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International Benchmarks

Saudi Arabia now stands among global leaders in geospatial innovation, aligning with countries like South Korea and Germany in leveraging AI for mapping and sustainable planning. The UNGEGN appointment positions KSA as a key player in global standardization and international cooperation.

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Vision 2030 Metrics

• First Saudi and Arab elected to UNGEGN bureau
• National strategy for geographical names presented
• AI-driven innovations in Romanization and mapping
• Global participation in scientific geospatial exhibitions
• Strengthened cooperation within the Arab Division of Experts

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Saudi Arabia Welcomes the World

Saudi Arabia warmly invites researchers, experts, and cultural institutions to explore its thriving geospatial innovation landscape. The Kingdom is bridging heritage with technology—inviting the world to be part of this transformation.

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Helpful Government Links

• www.geosa.gov.sa – GEOSA: Discover Saudi Arabia’s national mapping and geospatial leadership
• www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030: Learn how science, data, and diplomacy shape Saudi Arabia’s future
• www.mofa.gov.sa – Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Explore Saudi Arabia’s role in international organizations and diplomacy

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Factbox Summary

• Date: May 7, 2025
• Location: New York, USA / Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Highlight: Majdi Al-Harbi elected to UNGEGN
• Impact: KSA’s leadership in geospatial science and international collaboration
• Vision 2030: Innovation, heritage preservation, global recognition

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Discover

Step into a world where tradition meets technology. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in geospatial science is shaping global cooperation, preserving cultural identity, and empowering innovation across borders. Join the journey toward a smarter, more connected world—guided by Vision 2030.

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15 FAQs and Answers

1. Who is Majdi Al-Harbi and what was his achievement?
Majdi Al-Harbi is Executive Director at GEOSA and was elected to the UNGEGN bureau, the first Saudi and Arab national to do so.

2. What is UNGEGN?
The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names coordinates global efforts to standardize geographical names for improved communication, data accuracy, and heritage preservation.

3. Why is this election significant for Saudi Arabia?
It reflects global trust in Saudi expertise and confirms the Kingdom’s growing leadership in geospatial sciences and international cooperation.

4. What role does GEOSA play?
GEOSA manages Saudi Arabia’s national mapping and geospatial systems, ensuring data quality, standardization, and digital transformation in territorial sciences.

5. How does this relate to Vision 2030?
Vision 2030 supports global leadership, scientific excellence, and data-driven decision-making—core goals realized through Al-Harbi’s election and GEOSA’s work.

6. What was presented at the UNGEGN session?
Saudi Arabia shared a unified Romanization strategy for Arabic, innovations in geospatial technologies, and heritage-focused digital tools.

7. What is the significance of standardizing geographical names?
It ensures accuracy in global maps, supports emergency response, protects cultural sites, and fosters international consistency in communication.

8. How is artificial intelligence being used?
AI supports the automation and accuracy of name Romanization, mapping analysis, and geospatial data management across Saudi Arabia.

9. What is the Arab Division of Experts on Geographical Names?
It’s a regional group within UNGEGN focused on issues and strategies specific to Arabic-language naming and mapping.

10. How does this impact cultural preservation?
By standardizing names and promoting consistency, Saudi Arabia ensures its historical and cultural landmarks are respected and known globally.

11. Who led the Saudi delegation?
Mohammed Alsayel, President of GEOSA and the National Committee on Geographical Names, led the Saudi delegation to the 2025 UNGEGN session.

12. What are the practical benefits of this leadership?
Saudi Arabia influences global policy, shares best practices, and improves national digital infrastructure through geospatial collaborations.

13. Was there any scientific contribution?
Yes. Saudi Arabia presented scientific posters and virtual exhibits demonstrating its technical leadership and innovations in the field.

14. How does this support Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation?
It shows practical application of AI, big data, and smart governance in geospatial sciences—hallmarks of Vision 2030’s innovation pillar.

15. Where can I learn more about these initiatives?
You can visit www.geosa.gov.sa or www.vision2030.gov.sa to explore detailed programs and national strategies in geospatial innovation.

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Final Message from Harry Stuckler

At KSA.com, we proudly share Saudi Arabia’s inspiring digital journey—a nation rising through innovation, diplomacy, and youth empowerment. This is more than progress; it’s leadership by example.

Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.
By 2030, KSA.com will be the largest platform showcasing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in technology, economy, and culture.

With gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com