The Saudi Cabinet has extended the National IT Development Program to 2030, supporting tech jobs, AI startups, and private-sector growth across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved a five-year extension of the National Program for the Development of the Information Technology Sector, extending the initiative’s mandate through 2030, according to an official announcement.
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The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and aims to sustain momentum in building a resilient and competitive national technology ecosystem aligned with the Kingdom’s economic transformation agenda.
In a statement published on its official account on the social media platform X, the National Program for IT Development outlined key outcomes achieved during previous phases. These include the creation of more than 17,000 jobs and the generation of revenues exceeding SAR 21 billion ($5.6 billion), contributing directly to national economic growth.
The program has supported 3,370 technology companies, including 569 artificial intelligence startups, and facilitated the launch of 1,344 technology startups across Saudi Arabia.
It has also provided support to approximately 3,556 entrepreneurs and helped attract 212 technology companies to establish operations in the Kingdom. Total financial support delivered to enable private-sector technology firms reached SAR 13.3 billion ($3.55 billion), according to the statement.
The extension reinforces Saudi Arabia’s focus on expanding its domestic IT and digital innovation base as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen global competitiveness.
Why the Saudi National IT Development Program Matters to MENAÂ
The extension of Saudi Arabia’s National IT Development Program signals continued long-term public investment in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure—setting a benchmark for MENA technology policy. As the region competes to attract startups, global tech firms, and skilled talent, Saudi Arabia’s sustained funding, job creation, and AI ecosystem support position the Kingdom as a central hub for regional digital transformation, influencing investment flows, cross-border expansion, and innovation strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.
