Interview: Salman Al Badran, CEO, Mobily
How will 5G deployment in Saudi Arabia drive digital transformation in key non-oil sectors, and what strategies will accelerate its rollout?
SALMAN AL BADRAN: The deployment of 5G in Saudi Arabia will drive digital transformation across key non-oil sectors like health care, education and manufacturing. In health care, 5G will improve access and efficiency by enabling telemedicine, remote patient monitoring and real-time data sharing, with projected productivity gains of $530bn globally by 2030. In education, 5G will enhance online learning, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, where over 70% of Saudi students were engaged in remote learning – offering better access to resources and fostering interactive, high-quality education. In manufacturing, 5G will enable smarter, more efficient production processes – potentially contributing $1.4trn to the global economy by 2025.
To accelerate 5G rollout, the Saudi government is investing in infrastructure and partnering with global technology firms. A key activity in this strategy is training 100,000 young Saudis in digital skills by 2030, ensuring a workforce capable of leveraging advanced technologies. Collaboration between telecoms companies, ICT providers and global enterprises will drive 5G innovation, particularly in smart cities, internet of things (IoT) and cloud services. These initiatives support Vision 2030’s goal of building a technology-driven economy that enhances economic growth and quality of life.
What are the challenges in expanding broadband, particularly fibre-optic networks, and how is the sector addressing these?
AL BADRAN: Saudi Arabia faces significant difficulties due to the Kingdom’s vast, sparsely populated geography, making deployment logistically complex and costly. Regions like Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) are especially tough to reach, and the country’s sheer size further complicates the extension of high-speed broadband to underserved areas. To address these challenges, Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s strategic development plan, has prioritised initiatives such as expanding fibre-to-thehome broadband services to enhance connectivity in underserved regions. Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in achieving these goals, leveraging collaborative efforts to drive nationwide digital inclusion. Additionally, satellite broadband and fixed wireless access are being explored as cost-effective alternatives, potentially covering up to 90% of remote households.
Developing local expertise is also crucial. The government is investing in vocational training programmes to train 5000 individuals in network installation and maintenance over the next three years. Streamlined regulatory processes and the use of geographic information systems to optimise planning and cut costs by 15-20% are also part of the strategy. These efforts aim to reach a broadband penetration rate of 98% by 2030, supporting the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification goals.
In what ways will local ICT providers play a role in providing IoT, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data solutions to support smart cities?
AL BADRAN: Local ICT play a key role in implementing IoT, AI and big data solutions by building digital infrastructure and creating tailored solutions to support large-scale developments. Giga-projects such as NEOM, are a crucial driver of the digital innovation ecosystem, attracting significant investment. These initiatives foster collaboration between government, private sector companies and educational institutions, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous innovation.
As the demand for digital solutions grows, so does the need for a skilled workforce. Global estimates suggest 97m new roles requiring digital skills will emerge by 2025. Local ICT providers are well-positioned to help develop this talent, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains competitive and aligned with its Vision 2030 digital transformation and economic diversification goals.
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