RIYADH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), has won the 2026 United Nations Public Service Award for the National Data Bank and the Estishraf platform.
The achievement followed broad international competition, with this year’s edition attracting more than 700 initiatives from 62 nations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
The United Nations Public Service Award is the UN’s highest recognition for excellence and innovation in the public sector. It honours government initiatives that demonstrate outstanding achievements in improving public services, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering better outcomes for beneficiaries.
The award represents another global milestone for Saudi Arabia in the fields of data and artificial intelligence, coinciding with the Kingdom’s Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026.
The recognition reflects the continued support extended to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors.
This support has helped advance the authority’s role in developing data and AI capabilities and strengthening the Kingdom’s position among the world’s leading technology-driven economies.
The National Data Bank is among SDAIA’s key national initiatives, aimed at enhancing data quality and enabling secure data exchange between government entities. It contributes to the growth of a data-driven digital economy, improves the efficiency and reliability of digital services, and supports more effective decision-making.
The Estishraf platform is an advanced national platform that utilises data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies to support decision-making and anticipate future challenges. It provides indicators, analyses, and predictive insights that help increase government entities’ preparedness and enhance planning and policymaking efficiency.
SDAIA is set to receive the award during an official ceremony on 25 June, held as part of the United Nations Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia.
