The Digital Government Authority (DGA) released results of the “Emerging Technologies Adoption Readiness Index” fourth edition for 2026, showing accelerated progress in government agencies’ readiness to adopt and activate emerging technologies. The overall index score reached 76.04%, up from 74.69% in 2025, with participation from 54 government agencies compared to 49 in the previous cycle.
Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the DGA, stated that the report results reflect ambitious efforts by government agencies transitioning from experimentation to actual implementation of emerging technologies. This shift reinforces continuous improvement and solidifies digital readiness maturity across the sector.
“Emerging technologies are no longer an experimental option; they have become a fundamental pillar for enhancing government performance efficiency, increasing productivity, and accelerating delivery, ultimately improving the beneficiary experience.”
Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the DGA
Emerging Technologies Adoption Readiness Across Four Capabilities
The index measured progress across four key capability areas. Government agencies recorded advancement in research capability at 78.07%, followed by communication capability at 75.18%, proof capability at 73.92%, and integration capability at 77.00%. These metrics demonstrate growing maturity in digital capabilities and increasing adoption of innovation-driven services across the public sector.
Top 20 Government Agencies Performance Rankings
Four agencies achieved “Exceptional” performance levels: Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Energy, Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones. Sixteen additional agencies reached “Advanced” levels, including Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
The advanced tier also includes Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, Saudi Post, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Ministry of Justice, General Organization for Social Insurance, Ministry of Culture, and King Khalid University.
Real-World Technology Implementation Success Stories
The report highlighted success stories demonstrating practical use of advanced technologies. Government agencies deployed Generative AI, Agentic AI, Internet of Things, and robotics to automate procedures, improve decision-making, and enhance digital services. These implementations enabled entities to deliver proactive and innovative government services in vital sectors while achieving economic efficiencies and improving beneficiary experience.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 Objectives
This progress reflects government agencies’ efforts in leveraging emerging technologies with DGA support and enablement. The advancement serves as a key driver for service development, strengthening digital integration, and enhancing government performance efficiency. The results reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position and advance its leadership among digital governments and future-ready nations, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to build a knowledge-based economy and a globally leading digital government.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
