ISLAMABAD, Jun 23 (APP):Saudi Arabia has won the 2026 United Nations Public Service Award, the UN’s highest recognition for excellence in public sector innovation, for two flagship initiatives developed by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the award was granted to the National Data Bank and the Estishraf Platform following a highly competitive process that attracted more than 700 initiatives from 62 countries. …
Saudi Arabia wins UN award for AI, data innovation
ISLAMABAD, Jun 23 (APP):Saudi Arabia has won the 2026 United Nations Public Service Award, the UN’s highest recognition for excellence in public sector innovation, for two flagship initiatives developed by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA).
According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the award was granted to the National Data Bank and the Estishraf Platform following a highly competitive process that attracted more than 700 initiatives from 62 countries.
The United Nations Public Service Award recognizes government projects that demonstrate exceptional impact in improving public services, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering better outcomes for citizens and beneficiaries.
SPA told APP that the achievement marks another global milestone for Saudi Arabia in the fields of data and artificial intelligence and comes during the Kingdom’s Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026.
National Data Bank serves as a key national platform aimed at improving data quality, facilitating data sharing among government entities and supporting the growth of a data-driven digital economy.
Meanwhile, the Estishraf Platform uses advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies to support decision-making, anticipate future challenges and provide predictive insights that enhance government planning and policy development.
Saudi officials said the achievement reflects continued support from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in data and artificial intelligence and position Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading technology-driven economies.
SDAIA will formally receive the award during the United Nations Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, on June 25.
