RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector will increase its contribution to the national economy by SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) in the next five years, thanks to a major digital development strategy.Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Sawaha said that the five-year strategy will expand the Kingdom’s digital capabilities in ICT, allowing the sector to pursue optimal growth in future projects as part of Vision 2030 economic reforms.The plan will also help the sector keep pace with national requirements and global developments, and attract more foreign technology investment.Al-Sawaha said the strategy “will draw a roadmap for the future of the Kingdom in innovation and the digital economy.”As part of the plan the level of Saudi manpower in the sector will be raised to 50 percent by 2030. It also aims to promote and create opportunities for women and boost foreign investment in the sector.
FASTFACT
• The five-year strategy will expand the Kingdom’s digital capabilities in ICT, allowing the sector to pursue optimal growth in future projects.
• The plan will help the sector keep pace with national requirements and global developments, and attract more foreign technology investment.
The Saudi minister said that the ICT strategy will strengthen development activities, and raise the effectiveness and performance of the public and private sectors by enabling digital transformation.“It will make the Kingdom one of the world’s leading countries in the field of ICT,” he said.The strategy is part of the ministry’s efforts to establish a robust and sophisticated digital structure that will enhance the role of the ICT sector in building a digital community, digital government, a thriving digital economy and an innovative future for the Kingdom.
