Saudi Arabia Achieves Major Progress in Global Open Data Ranking

Saudi Arabia has significantly improved its ranking in the 2024 Open Data Inventory (ODIN) report by Open Data Watch, rising to 41st globally—a 28-rank increase since 2022—and 9th among G20 nations, up from 15th, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to transparent and accessible statistical data, as assessed by ODIN's coverage and accessibility metrics.
 Through its report, Open Data Watch praised Saudi Arabia's significant strides, noting a 16-point increase in data coverage and a 15-point rise in accessibility, resulting in a 143% growth in its overall ODIN score since 2017. This demonstrates the Kingdom's adoption of global best practices in open data.
 This national achievement is driven by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), which leads the national statistical sector by developing products, launching indicators for Saudi Vision 2030, and expanding access to open data through official digital platforms.
 In line with the goals of Vision 2030, GASTAT has strengthened its strategy to develop IT infrastructure, enabling government entities, the private sector, and researchers to use data to support strategic planning and decision-making. GASTAT’s efforts have also contributed to fostering a culture of transparency and open data, raising community awareness of the importance of data as a key driver of sustainable development and innovation.
 The Kingdom's improved ODIN ranking highlights its growing regional and global prominence in providing official statistical indicators, reinforcing its role in building a sustainable knowledge economy, enhancing transparency, attracting investments, and keeping pace with the accelerating global digital transformation.