By Abdulmajeed Mangarah, Smart City Program Director – Madinah Region Development Authority. 

The digital economy is a powerful driver of innovation, productivity, and economic growth. However, data silos and other challenges can hinder progress in this realm. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has taken significant strides to position itself as a leading player in the digital economy by investing in its digital infrastructure and capabilities.

Madinah, one of KSA’s cities, has emerged as a frontrunner in the smart city transformation. By leveraging advanced technologies such as sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT), Madinah aims to enhance urban life and create economic growth opportunities. The RASEEL platform, built on the open-source FIWARE platform, plays a pivotal role in this transformation.

RASEEL acts as a context broker, managing contextual information generated by IoT devices and sensors and any city information systems. It enables businesses and government agencies to collect, analyse, and act upon data for better decision-making and service delivery. Its open-source nature promotes innovation and collaboration, allowing investors and startups to build upon the platform’s capabilities and create new applications and services.

The platform offers several benefits. By leveraging pre-built components, RASEEL reduces development time and cost, accelerating the deployment of new services. It breaks down data silos and promotes data sharing and reuse, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency. The platform’s interoperability drives the API economy, fostering digital innovation and economic growth.

RASEEL’s capabilities also enhance data analytics, providing valuable insights into factors impacting economic growth. By harnessing data from various sources, businesses can make informed decisions, optimise operations, and drive growth in the digital economy. The platform’s communication and collaboration features contribute to the development of a platform economy, where multiple participants can interact and transact to create value and drive economic growth.

KSA’s Vision 2030 strategic plan recognizes the importance of digital infrastructure and economic activities in the country’s growth. The country has made substantial investments in improving its digital infrastructure, resulting in high internet penetration rates and a strong commitment to AI technologies and cybersecurity.

By adopting advanced technologies like RASEEL, KSA aims to create an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous digital economy. The platform’s functionalities, such as data analytics, interoperability, and stakeholder communication, improve service delivery, attract investors and startups, and stimulate economic growth and innovation.

By breaking down data silos, promoting collaboration, and driving economic growth, RASEEL is looking to revolutionise KSA’s digital economy. Through its advanced features and capabilities, the platform enhances decision-making, fosters innovation, and creates new job opportunities. 

KSA’s commitment to digital infrastructure and economic activities positions the country as a hub of economic growth and digital innovation in the region.