RIYADH, Nov 28, (Agencies): Saudi Arabia is set to bolster its digital economy infrastructure with the introduction of open data programs, featuring the launch of the National Data Index (Nudei) during the Saudi Data Forum in Riyadh. The event marked the unveiling of upgraded versions of the Open Data Platform and the Data Governance Platform.

This pioneering initiative, a first for the Kingdom, is designed to enhance transparency, foster a national data-driven economy, and contribute to the evaluation of data maturity within government entities, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

Organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the National Transformation Program (NTP), the launch garnered the participation of global and local experts, including Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs Prince Bandar Bin Abdullah, SDAIA President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, ministers, senior officials, and representatives from local and international companies.

The National Data Index, developed in collaboration between SDAIA and NTP, serves as a dynamic results-based indicator for monitoring and evaluation. It aims to assess and monitor the progress of government agencies in data management, compliance, and operational indicators across 14 areas.

The indicator establishes a robust data governance framework and policies to regulate data management practices, measure data management maturity and compliance, enhance the effectiveness of operational processes, and develop mechanisms for compliance and investigation reporting.

An upgraded version of the Open Data Platform was also unveiled, enabling individuals, government entities, and non-governmental organizations to publish open data for entrepreneurs and other beneficiaries. The platform has already amassed over 7,000 open data sets, 190 publishers, and 35 use cases.

Furthermore, the Data Governance Platform focuses on registering entities covered by the Personal Data Protection Law. It provides support and guidance on safeguarding the privacy of personal data holders and protecting their rights. Government agencies can utilize the platform for registration, including filling out the form, logging in through the national unified access platform, completing the entity's profile, and submitting data for evaluation.

The platform offers various services, such as notifications about potential data leaks, privacy impact assessments, legal support, and a self-assessment tool for compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law.

In 2022, SDAIA and NTP signed a memorandum of understanding to launch strategic partnerships and smart business solutions supporting the objectives of Vision 2030 assigned to NTP, including SDAIA's initiatives related to data and artificial intelligence.