The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved a new global accomplishment in the field of technology, winning 6 awards at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2026, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland. The awards won by the Kingdom include one grand prize and five certificates of excellence, for national projects led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
What is WSIS?
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is an international platform organized by the United Nations in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), held annually in Geneva. The summit aims to highlight the best global projects and initiatives in the field of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and information technology. The awards are given to projects that contribute to building an inclusive and secure information society.
This year, more than 190 countries participated with dozens of projects, and Saudi Arabia was one of the most prominent countries participating with its innovative projects in artificial intelligence and data.
Saudi Arabia’s awards at WSIS 2026
The Kingdom won a grand prize (WSIS Prize) and five certificates of excellence (Certificates of Excellence), for projects led by SDAIA in cooperation with various government agencies. These projects include:
- Projects in responsible artificial intelligence and ethical use of technology
- Initiatives to accelerate digital transformation in government sectors
- Intelligent data platforms to improve public services
- Projects to enhance cybersecurity and data protection
- Innovative solutions in digital education and e-health
What does this achievement mean for Saudi Arabia?
This achievement reflects the significant progress made by Saudi Arabia in the field of technology under the umbrella of Vision 2030. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has invested more than $91 billion in the technology and artificial intelligence sector, and announced 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence”.
SDAIA’s winning of these awards means that Saudi projects have become a global standard, especially in the areas of digital governance, responsible artificial intelligence, and innovation in government services. It also enhances the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global center in the field of technology.
How will Saudi Arabia benefit from these awards?
WSIS awards are not just trophies and certificates, but they open doors for international cooperation. Through these awards:
- The Kingdom attracts partnerships with major global technology companies
- Shares its experiences with other countries in the field of artificial intelligence
- Attracts foreign investment in the technology sector
- Enhances its position as a leader in the field of technology
How does this achievement relate to the Saudi citizen?
The primary beneficiary of these projects is the Saudi citizen. The winning initiatives aim to:
- Accelerate digital government services (Absher, Tawakkalna, Ihsan platform)
- Improve the quality of healthcare using artificial intelligence
- Develop digital education and provide training opportunities in modern technologies
- Enhance cybersecurity to protect citizens’ data
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs these projects?
All citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia benefit from these projects, as they aim to improve digital government services used daily by everyone, such as Absher and Tawakkalna.
Where are these projects implemented?
The winning projects cover all regions of the Kingdom and are managed by Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) from its headquarters in Riyadh, in collaboration with ministries and government agencies across various Saudi cities.
What is the cost of these projects?
These projects are part of the Kingdom’s investments in digital transformation, exceeding 84 billion Saudi Riyals annually, within the budget of the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030.
How long do these projects take?
The projects span several years, with some starting as early as 2020 and continuing until 2030, featuring periodic updates and continuous expansion of services.
How can I benefit from these projects?
You can benefit directly by using government applications such as Absher, Tawakkalna, Madrasati platform, and the Sehhaty app, among other digital services developed through these projects.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s win of 6 awards at WSIS 2026 is not just an international achievement but also evidence that the Kingdom is steadily progressing toward achieving Vision 2030 in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. These awards position the Kingdom among technologically advanced countries and open new horizons for cooperation and investment in the tech sector.
