Interview: Ahmed Al Alola, CEO, THIQAH, on strengthening data foundations for future-ready scaleable innovation
What is shaping the transformation from e-government platforms to data-driven ecosystems?
AHMED AL ALOLA: A large number of government services are now automated. The next phase is less about adding more automation and more about elevating the user experience. Citizens and businesses increasingly expect platforms that are intuitive and tailored to their needs. So the shift now is from the automation era to the intelligence era of digital platforms – systems that anticipate needs rather than react to them. In parallel, governance and security become even more important. As digital services and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities grow, so do associated risks. Strengthening cybersecurity, ensuring oversight and building confidence in digital interactions are national priorities as the ecosystem becomes more interconnected.
How can shared expertise and infrastructure accelerate innovation and efficiency in the digital sector?
AL ALOLA: Consolidation allows the ICT sector to operate with fewer but more capable and better-aligned entities. When major digital players are brought under unified national umbrellas, it becomes easier to deploy standardised approaches and scale innovation quickly. Instead of navigating a fragmented landscape, organisations can work with resourceful stakeholders who share a common direction for digital government. This alignment reduces duplication of effort and supports faster delivery of national digital goals.
Which steps should be taken to ensure interoperability and deliver a genuinely seamless experience?
AL ALOLA: First, standardising data models and frameworks ensures that information can be exchanged reliably across services. Second, securing application programming interface ecosystems allows different platforms to communicate safely and consistently. Third, unified identity management is critical to maintaining a cohesive user experience. A clear example of this direction is the 2025 announcement to integrate and close 267 government digital platforms to streamline operations. The challenge lies in maintaining agility.
In what ways are national data governance frameworks shaping stronger standards?
AL ALOLA: Through the National Data Management Office and the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), more than 80 standardised controls have been established, setting clear benchmarks for responsible data handling. These measures have elevated compliance and transparency to align with global standards. The impact is visible in the broader economy: the digital economy accounted for 15.6% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP in 2023. Strong data governance has played a direct role in enabling that growth by safeguarding sensitive information while supporting responsible innovation. The ongoing challenge is keeping pace with rapidly expanding data volumes and AI adoption. Looking ahead, governance can become a competitive advantage – where ethical data use accelerates innovation and collaboration.
What measures should be in place to ensure AI is deployed responsibly and with clear accountability?
AL ALOLA: Saudi Arabia was ranked first globally in the 2025 ICT Development Index – a clear testament to its advanced digital infrastructure and readiness for the next phase of technological growth. With this momentum, three priorities are essential: ethical governance, transparency and human oversight. SDAIA has developed a comprehensive national AI ethics framework, however, the next step is ensuring strong implementation. Accountability needs to be embedded throughout the lifecycle of AI systems. That includes clear audit mechanisms and establishing multidisciplinary review processes. Taken together, these measures maintain trust as the country advances into the intelligence age. They also help create an environment where innovation and accountability progress side by side.
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