Saudi Arabia’s National Data Bank and Estishraf Platform receive the United Nations’ highest recognition for public sector innovation
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has won the 2026 United Nations Public Service Award for its National Data Bank and Estishraf digital platforms. The United Nations announced the award on 23 June 2026 following a competitive process that attracted more than 700 initiatives from 62 countries. SDAIA is scheduled to formally receive the award during the official ceremony on 25 June 2026, held as part of the United Nations Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The United Nations Public Service Award is the highest international distinction granted for excellence and innovation in the government sector. It recognises government initiatives that have made an outstanding impact in developing public services, enhancing institutional efficiency and improving the quality of services delivered to beneficiaries worldwide. The achievement marks another global milestone for Saudi Arabia in the fields of data and artificial intelligence and coincides with the Kingdom’s Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026. The award reflects the sustained support SDAIA receives from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who serves as Chairman of the Board, to strengthen the Kingdom’s role in data and AI.
The National Data Bank serves as a key national platform developed by SDAIA to improve data quality and facilitate data sharing across government entities. It supports the growth of a data-driven digital economy, contributes to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of digital services and strengthens the quality of decision-making. The Estishraf Platform is an advanced national platform that harnesses data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies to support decision-making and anticipate future challenges. By providing indicators, analyses and predictive insights, it enhances the readiness of government entities and improves the efficiency of planning and policymaking. Through the Estishraf Platform, SDAIA has realised financial savings exceeding SAR50 billion (approximately $13.3 billion).
SDAIA will formally receive the award during the United Nations Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 25 June 2026. The 2026 forum, held from 23 to 25 June, is convened under the theme “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion”.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
