Citizenship News
Riyadh, June 23, 2026, SPA — The United Nations announced today, June 23, that the Kingdom, represented by 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 award followed broad international competition, with this year’s edition attracting more than 700 initiatives from 62 countries.
The United Nations Public Service Award is the highest UN recognition for excellence and innovation in the public sector.
It honors government initiatives that demonstrate outstanding impact in developing public services, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving the quality of services provided to beneficiaries.
The achievement marks another global milestone for Saudi Arabia in the fields of data and artificial intelligence and comes during the Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026.
The award reflects the continuous support provided to SDAIA by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors, to advance the authority’s role in data and artificial intelligence and position the Kingdom among the world’s leading technology-driven economies.
The National Data Bank is one of SDAIA’s key national enablers, designed to improve data quality and facilitate data sharing among entities.
It supports the development of a data-driven digital economy, enhances the efficiency and reliability of digital services, and improves decision-making.
The Estishraf platform is an advanced national platform that utilizes 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 scheduled to receive the award during the official ceremony on June 25 as part of the United Nations Public Service Forum, which will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia.
— SPA
