A noteworthy milestone was recently declared by the Saudi Ministry of Interior as of December 25, 2024, more than 28 million digital IDs have been granted using Absher, its cutting-edge electronic platform. In line with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, this accomplishment highlights the Kingdom's dedication to digital transformation and the improvement of public services.
Step Forward for Digital Change, Since its launch in 2010, Absher has developed into a full-fledged digital government service platform that offers a multitude of services to residents, businesses, and citizens alike. From the comfort of their homes, users can use the platform to obtain necessary services including residency permits, passport renewals, and national ID issuance. Users can now renew their digital ID cards using facial recognition thanks to the incorporation of biometric updates , greatly expediting the procedure.
Absher has played a crucial part in day-to-day operations throughout Saudi Arabia, as evidenced by the astounding 7.7 million transactions it executed in July alone . Absher has over 605,000 daily operations, demonstrating its dependability and effectiveness in handling public service transactions.
Improved User Experience and Accessibility, Users can communicate with approximately 500 public and commercial organizations through the digital identification system's unified national access site, "Nafath." Through smooth access to necessary services, this integration not only streamlines administrative processes but also improves user experiences.
Absher has also linked digital identification services with the financial industry, contributing to a more inclusive financial landscape. Since 94% of Saudi Arabian people currently own digital wallets or bank accounts, this action is essential for improving financial inclusion in the country. The platform's safe digital identity verification procedure has improved customer confidence in financial transactions and decreased fraud.
Economic Effects and Prospects, Significant financial gains have resulted from the use of Absher's digital services, including savings of around SAR 23 billion (almost USD 6.1 billion) and a 95% decrease in license and review times. Notwithstanding these achievements, difficulties still exist. It will be essential to keep up a strong infrastructure and take care of security issues as Absher expands. For continued user adoption, public trust in digital services is crucial, therefore constant advancements in security and transparency will be required to maintain momentum.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's transition to a fully digital economy has advanced significantly with the issuing of more than 28 million digital identities through Absher. By adopting these innovations, the Kingdom not only improves the standard of living for its people but also establishes itself as a pioneer in Middle Eastern digital administration. Absher's planned expansions and continuous improvements bode well for Saudi Arabia's ambitions to undergo a digital transformation.
