Saudi Arabia’s Free and Open- Source Government Software Strategy

July 2021

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Strategies and Action Plans

The Transformation Journey Towards Adopting Free and Open-Source Government Software in Saudi Arabia

Adoption and transformation process

In its pursuit of Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is notably advancing its digital transformation through the strategic adoption of open-source software, a cornerstone for enhancing and supporting nationwide technological progress. These efforts are directed towards diversifying the economic base, fostering innovation, and spearheading technological advancements to cultivate a resilient knowledge economy and elevate the quality of electronic governmental services by establishing a robust technological infrastructure.

Aligned with these objectives, the Kingdom is dedicated to formulating and executing innovative strategies. This includes initiating platforms and initiatives designed for educational and developmental purposes and empowering developers and corporations to engage with and contribute to open-source software. Moreover, it underscores the importance of collaboration between governmental and private sectors in developing sophisticated technological solutions, crucial for improving the efficiency of the nation’s technological framework and augmenting Saudi Arabia’s competitive edge on a global scale. These concerted efforts reaffirm the Kingdom’s allegiance to remaining at the forefront of technological evolution, reinforcing its stature as a technology and innovation leadership hub.

In alignment with its strategic vision, the Digital Government Authority has been assigned a responsible entity for all matters related to digital governance in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. (14) dated 1/2/1443 AH. This Resolution outlines the regulatory framework for free and open-source government software, entrusting the Authority to lead the “National Committee for Free and Open-Source Government Software.” This committee, chaired by the Digital Government Authority and comprising representatives from key governmental and technological entities like the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Public Investment Fund, National Cybersecurity Authority, Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology were tasked with overseeing the enforcement of these regulations. Key initiatives under this directive include the establishment of a government software repository, issuing relevant licenses, and refining procurement and development processes for government software to ensure adherence to these guidelines. Furthermore, the Resolution emphasizes the enhancement of digital transformation metrics through government software standards for the reuse of government software, which facilitates a more efficient and integrated digital ecosystem.

Under the auspices of its designated role, the Digital Government Authority diligently orchestrates and harmonizes efforts to bolster the digital governance framework across various governmental entities. This endeavor aims to cultivate a forward-thinking, responsive digital government adept at delivering seamless and comprehensive digital services. To this end, the Authority is formulating strategic plans, programs, metrics, and guidelines pertinent to free and open-source government software. Additionally, it oversees the streamlining of operational, managerial, and project-related workflows, ensuring the concerned governmental bodies adopt and uphold these foundational principles.

Terms definition

The conceptual framework of free and open-source government software in the Kingdom encompasses a suite of programs and initiatives to enhance transparency, foster collaboration across ministries and agencies, and drive technological innovation within the public sector. This framework advocates for the utilization of software that is freely modifiable and distributable, ensuring the development of sophisticated technological solutions tailored to the government and citizenry’s needs. 

Key terms:

  • Free and Open-Source Software (OSS): Software whose source code is accessible for public use, modification, and distribution without licensing fees.
  • Source Code: The set of instructions and commands in a programming language constituting a computer program.
  • Government License: A specific authorization issued by the Authority detailing the conditions under which government-owned software is licensed.
  • Repository: A digital platform for the storage of government software.
  • Government Software: Source code developed for and owned by government entities.

Benefits of free and open-source software

  1. Enhancing the Reusability of Software
  2. Facilitating Collaborative Efforts Among Government Agencies to Standardize Norms
  3. Increasing Transparency and Curtailing Monopolistic Practices
  4. Improving Integration Capabilities Across Diverse Software Sources

The main impact of adopting the Open-Source Software (OSS) strategy includes

  1. Cultivating a local Information Technology ecosystem that bolsters the digital economy.
  2. Enhancing local content through the facilitation of local enterprise creation and talent development in the IT sector.
  3. Increasing the efficiency of expenditures within the communications and information technology domain, optimizing resource allocation and utilization.

Milestones for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s journey in developing and implementing open-source government software

Saudi Arabia’s engagement with open-source software illustrates a blueprint for digital transformation and technological innovation. Initiated in 2013 at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology via the “Motah” program, this journey saw broad cross-sector participation despite the challenges posed by limited local expertise and the dominance of global companies, which hold an 80% market share. Nevertheless, local startups have been pivotal in accelerating the adoption of open-source software. This narrative underscores a sequence of strategic actions undertaken in recent years to solidify the Kingdom’s stance on open-source innovation.

  • 2013: Launch of open-source software projects with diverse sector involvement.
  • 2014 – 2017: Introduction of significant programs like the “Yesser Program” and “Masader,” providing guidelines and best practices for open-source adoption.
  • 2017: Government agencies enhanced their focus on open-source software to improve the IT ecosystem and spending efficiency.
  • 2019: Accelerating digital transformation efforts, embracing emerging technologies and open-source solutions for various sectors.
  • 2021-2023: Issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. (14) on 1/2/1443 AH to regulate free and open-source government software, creating a national committee, a government software repository, licensing processes, and the promotion of software standards and reuse.This strategic approach reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to lead in digital innovation, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and open-source solutions.

The open-source software ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

The OSS is marked by dynamic governmental initiatives and strategic collaborations initiated in 2013, focusing on open-source software for its security and economic advantages. Key players, including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the e-Government Program (Yesser), and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, have been instrumental in propelling these initiatives forward. Educational institutions also significantly contribute to cultivating talent and promoting open-source software usage. This concerted effort underlines the Kingdom’s dedication to building a robust open-source software infrastructure encompassing local and global participants.

Free and open-source government software strategy

In its commitment to implementing a strategy for free and open-source government software, the National Committee for Government Software is dedicated to fostering technological leadership and enhancing digital infrastructure. This strategy is designed to optimize technical expenditure and cultivate an ecosystem that bolsters the digital economy. It emphasizes the importance of reusability, access to and dissemination of source codes. It promotes collaboration among government entities to standardize practices, enhance transparency, counteract vendor monopolization, and mitigate the complexities of integrating software from diverse sources. Furthermore, the initiative guides governmental bodies in making informed decisions regarding the acquisition or development of specialized software. It establishes a cohesive policy for governmental requisites on the receipt and utilization of government software. This ensures all affiliated agencies have usage rights and lays down the essential infrastructure prerequisites for the software’s deployment, safeguarding governmental rights.

Vision

To establish a dynamic digital ecosystem for the Kingdom’s governance, fostering a progressive and enduring technological framework that bolsters the digital economy.

Objectives

  1. Expand the network of technological enterprises
  2. Increase the number of technical societies
  3. Catalyze foreign investment
  4. Boost the creation of tech-related employment opportunities
  5. Nurture and develop domestic tech talent
  6. Enhance the efficiency of governmental expenditure on technology
  7. Facilitate the development of technological platforms
  8. Foster innovation within the tech sector
  9. Advocate for digital sustainability and resilience

Pillars of the Free and Open-Source Government Software Strategy

The strategy for Free and Open-Source Government Software is built on three foundational pillars designed to advance the Kingdom’s technological landscape:

1. Leadership in Future Technologies: This pillar aims to foster technological leadership by generating demand for open-source software among government entities and ensuring its supply within the ecosystem, thereby altering the IT expenditure framework.

2. Transformation of IT Expenditure: Focuses on optimizing spending by prioritizing investments in software, cloud computing services, and emerging technologies over traditional capital expenditures.

3. Cultivating a Streamlined Ecosystem “Blue Ocean” for Modern Technologies: Aims to establish a robust infrastructure for technology and digital services, complemented by efforts to develop talent, and support the creation of local enterprises and associations, thus bolstering the Kingdom’s digital economy.

Future Goals for Open-Source Software Adoption

The Kingdom’s strategic objectives for its Free and Open-Source Software Strategy by 2026 include:

  • Facilitating the creation of 20 open-source software companies specializing in advanced technologies, aiming for cumulative revenues of SAR 2.1 billion over five years.
  • Encouraging 250 government entities to implement open-source software methodologies within a dedicated framework for free and open-source government software, over five years.
  • Enhancing the expertise of 1,822 professionals in open-source software by 2026.
  • Establishing over 8 open-source software communities and launching over 7 training and educational programs in open-source software.

Most prominent initiatives

  • Fostering Leadership in Emerging Technologies:

 This involves the launch of a program aimed at bolstering investments in cutting-edge technologies and open-source software, thereby supporting the digital economy.

  • Revolutionizing IT Expenditure:

 Establishing a robust framework to encourage the widespread adoption of open-source software, transforming the landscape of IT spending.

  • Empowering the Modern Technology Ecosystem: 

This initiative focuses on creating vibrant communities that nurture talent and innovation, including developers, business networks, incubators, and accelerators, to stimulate growth and collaboration within the technology sector.

IT Spending

Information Technology Expenditure Forecast anticipated investment in information technology in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach SAR 65 billion during 2021-2025. This expenditure underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing operational efficiencies by transitioning to sophisticated digital systems. It evidences the pivotal role of the government in steering and nurturing such initiatives. Notably, the government’s investment in information technology surged to SAR 11.97 billion in 2019, marking a strategic commitment to fostering open-source software as an integral component of Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure.

The intended audience for implementing OSS strategy

All governmental entities and their subsidiary companies. Additionally, it targets the broader ecosystem known as the “Blue Ocean,” which includes various stakeholders such as skills and talent pools, business incubators and accelerators, as well as entrepreneurs. 

Key Products

  • Government Software Repository: 

A premier national platform dedicated to storing free and open-source government software. Its core mission is to provide access to the source codes of country-owned free and open-source software to all government agencies, in line with regulatory guidelines. Additionally, it seeks to foster company creation within the digital economy, promote the development and sharing of open-source software, and assess software adoption outcomes through government spending efficiency and reducing dependency on commercial software vendors.

  • Services Offered by the Repository:
  • Code Depository: 

Enables government entities to store their software’s source code on the platform.

  • View the source code:

 Allows government agencies to review source codes stored on the platform.

  • Government Software Licensing: 

Facilitates the request for governmental licenses for software use.

Repository Objectives

– Support and encourage government agencies to adopt open-source software.

– Enhance governmental expenditure efficiency through the adoption of open-source software.

  • Free and Open-Source Government Software License: 

Integral to the regulatory framework for free and open-source software, as outlined in Council of Ministers Resolution No. (14), excluding security and military agencies that follow specific guidelines. This license ensures agency access to repository services and compliance with regulatory terms, extending to over 200 government bodies.

 For further details on the license and to explore open-source products, please click here; additional resources are also available here.

Statistical overview until 2023

  • Number of free and open-source government software licenses issued: 201
  • Government software deposited in the repository: 203
  • Free and open-source software available for use: 200
  • Users of the government software repository: 892
  • Reusable government software: 73
  • Number of times government products are reused: 118

Promising digital prospects

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation is propelled by key initiatives that drive innovation and technological advancement. These include:

Digital Market Initiative:

A platform enabling companies and creators to present their digital products and services, facilitating audience engagement and economic expansion.

Cloud government software repository:

Cloud Government Software Repository: Boosts access to software and development tools, streamlining collaboration between developers and government entities for digital solution development.

Joint development and Co-creation

Encourages public input on government challenges through participation in diverse questionnaires.

These efforts lay a solid groundwork for innovation, advancing the digital economy toward realizing the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. They reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to adopting free and open-source government software, showcasing its vision for a digitally prosperous future, and affirming its role in fostering innovation and technological progress regionally and globally. This strategic approach has established a robust foundation for an open-source government IT system. It aims to enhance government performance efficiency, procedure transparency, and standardization, steering confidently toward Vision 2030 and beyond.

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