Introduction
Saudi Arabia is not just investing in buildings, roads, and infrastructure. It’s also betting big on something less visible but more powerful: technology. Over the last two decades, the country has made steady and strategic moves to become a serious player in tech, innovation, and digital transformation.
Here’s a glimpse of the technology advancement in Saudi Arabia throughout the years…
From launching satellites to granting robot citizenship, Saudi Arabia’s milestones tell a story of vision, ambition, and action. These key moments, combined with long-term planning through Vision 2030, show how the Kingdom is shaping a future built on knowledge, innovation, and digital strength. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most crucial technology milestones that have marked Saudi Arabia’s digital rise.
Table of Contents
1. 1999: Internet Enters the Kingdom
The digital era in Saudi Arabia officially began in 1999, when the Internet was first introduced to the public. Until then, access was limited mainly to government and academic institutions. Once open to the public, internet adoption began to grow, laying the foundation for future developments in e-government, online education, and the digital economy.
Though internet speeds were slow, and access was limited in the early days, this was the starting point of Saudi Arabia’s tech timeline.
2. 2000: First Saudi-Made Satellite Launch (SaudiSat)
In 2000, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched SaudiSat-1, the first Saudi-made satellite. It was a proud moment for the nation’s scientific community, showing an early interest in space technology.
This wasn’t just about space- it was about building local capabilities in advanced technologies, encouraging STEM education, and sparking innovation in science and engineering.
3. 2015: Launch of Absher App
In 2015, the Saudi government launched the Absher App, a digital platform that transformed citizens’ and residents’ interactions with public services. From renewing passports and driver’s licenses to applying for visas, Absher made government services accessible from smartphones.
It was a major leap in digital government services, saving millions of users’ time and effort and setting the tone for further digital transformation in the public sector.
4. 2016: Vision 2030 and the Rise of Digital Infrastructure
The launch of Vision 2030 marked a turning point for Saudi Arabia. The goal? To reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil by growing other sectors like tourism, entertainment, health, and most importantly, technology.
Diversification Goals: Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework to diversify its economy. The plan emphasizes developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
Technology as a Pillar: A significant component of Vision 2030 is advancing technology and digital infrastructure, recognizing them as essential for economic diversification and modernization.
By this year, internet penetration had already jumped to 75%, showing clear demand for digital services. Tech was identified as a key pillar of national development, and investments in infrastructure, startups, and digital literacy began to scale up quickly.
5. 2017: Robot Citizenship, NEOM, and Clean Energy
2017 was full of firsts. That year, Saudi Arabia became the first country in the world to grant citizenship to a robot, Sophia. It grabbed headlines globally and showed the Kingdom’s willingness to lead in AI discussions.
NEOM was Announced: A futuristic $500 billion smart city that promises clean energy, AI integration, and next-gen urban planning.
The Red Sea Project and broader renewable energy plans were pushed forward, aligning tech development with environmental goals.
All of this reflected a bigger message. Saudi Arabia wasn’t just catching up; it wanted to lead.
6. 2018: Rise of VR, Digital Payments, and New Banks
In 2018, virtual reality (VR) started gaining traction in Saudi Arabia, especially in education and training. Schools, medical facilities, and industrial firms began using VR to simulate real-world scenarios safely and affordably.
As a startup, PROVEN Arabia also invests in virtual and augmented reality through its subsidiary, PROVEN Reality, which is dedicated to bringing immersive experiences to life.
This year also saw the launch of STC Pay, a secure digital wallet that changed how people handle their money. It was part of a more significant wave of digital banks entering the market to meet changing consumer behavior and support a cashless economy.
7. 2019: SDAIA, 5G, and Download Speed Leadership
2019 was a landmark year for digital infrastructure.
- The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) was formed to lead government and private AI efforts.
- 5G rollout began, with Saudi Arabia quickly ranking among global leaders for mobile internet download speeds.
- These moves were not just about convenience but critical for enabling technologies like autonomous vehicles, IoT, and smart factories.
8. 2021: Digital Government Authority and Industry 4.0
By 2021, the pace of digital reform only picked up.
- The Digital Government Authority (DGA) was launched to organize and monitor digital government work.
- Industry 4.0 initiatives related to privacy, security, and automation gained attention, especially in oil and gas, manufacturing, and logistics.
- That same year, Saudi Aramco entered a joint venture with Google Cloud, giving local companies access to advanced cloud services while keeping data within the Kingdom.
9. 2022: Launch of LEAP, the Kingdom’s Global Tech Stage
In 2022, Saudi Arabia hosted the first edition of LEAP, a global tech conference that brought together top companies, entrepreneurs, and thinkers. It was a major step in branding Saudi Arabia as a serious player in global tech.
LEAP wasn’t just a stage for showing off- it helped attract investments, promote startups, and build partnerships with big names like Microsoft, Oracle, and Huawei.
10. Investing in Youth and Building for the Future
Beyond the big moments, the most crucial investment Saudi Arabia is making is in its people, especially the youth.
The government has focused on:
- STEM education to prepare students for the tech economy.
- Scholarships and global partnerships with universities.
- Startup incubators and accelerators to support young entrepreneurs.
- By developing talent locally, the Kingdom is trying to ensure its future tech leaders are homegrown.
Technology as a Key Pillar of Vision 2030
Vision 2030 is not just about new skyscrapers and shiny projects. It’s about building a long-term, sustainable economy, and technology plays a major role in that.
Some highlights include:
- NEOM is a city that will operate on clean energy and innovative technologies.
- 5G networks that support high-speed Internet and future industries.
- National AI Strategy aiming to make Saudi Arabia a leader in artificial intelligence by 2030.
It’s a full ecosystem; education, infrastructure, business, and regulation- all moving in the same direction.
Public-Private Partnerships and Global Collaboration
Saudi Arabia has also made smart moves by working closely with global tech giants. These partnerships help bring in expertise and tech while training local talent.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is backing many of these efforts, helping finance startups, smart city projects, and advanced research in fields like robotics and AI.
Support for Startups and Innovation
Entrepreneurship Programs: The government has launched various programs to support startups, including funding initiatives, incubators, and accelerators, to cultivate a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Regulatory Reforms: Efforts have been made to create a more business-friendly environment by streamlining regulations and incentivizing tech companies to establish operations in the Kingdom.
Education and Workforce Development
STEM Education Emphasis: There is a strong focus on enhancing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to equip the younger population with skills relevant to the digital age.
International Collaborations: Partnerships with leading global educational institutions have been formed to bring expertise and advanced curricula to Saudi universities and training centers.
Artificial Intelligence and Research
National AI Strategy: Saudi Arabia has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to become a leader in artificial intelligence by 2030. The strategy involves investments in research, development, and the application of AI across various sectors.
Research Institutions: Establishment of dedicated research centers focusing on AI and emerging technologies to drive innovation and attract international talent.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Every big transformation comes with challenges:
Cultural Shifts: Transitioning to a tech-focused economy requires cultural changes, including fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and encouraging risk-taking.
Sustainability Concerns: Ensuring that technological advancements align with environmental sustainability goals, particularly given the scale of projects like NEOM.
Global Competition: Positioning Saudi Arabia as a tech hub amidst global competition involves continuous innovation and the ability to attract and retain top talent.
But the direction is clear, and so is the intention. Saudi Arabia wants to be more than just a consumer of technology. It wants to build, lead, and shape it.
How PROVEN Arabia contributes to tech advancement in the Kingdom
At PROVEN Arabia, we understand how important technology is for the future. We support this progress by offering solutions in robotics, virtual reality, AI, intelligent automation, and more through our different subsidiaries- like PROVEN Robotics, PROVEN Reality, and PROVEN Consult. Each brand is focused on meeting various needs and helping customers move forward in the digital world.
Saudi Arabia’s tech story is still being written. The Kingdom has come a long way from humble beginnings with the Internet in 1999 to hosting global conferences and building entire smart cities.
These 10 milestones are more than just highlights; they’re proof that real progress can happen with the right mix of vision, investment, and talent. And fast.