At the Saudi Arabia edition of the CIO 200 Summit 2025, the Global CIO Forum (GCF) and the Digital Economy Center Riyadh celebrated standout digital transformation initiatives through the ‘Pioneers in E-Services in the Kingdom’ Awards—recognizing forward-thinking projects that are reshaping public sector services across the Kingdom.
GEOSA’s Augmented Reality Training for Surveyors was among the most notable honorees. The project introduces immersive virtual simulations to enhance technical training for surveyors, allowing them to experience real-world field conditions in a controlled, digital environment. This innovation represents a leap forward in how critical geospatial and infrastructure-related skills are taught and scaled across the Kingdom, aligning with national goals for digital excellence and workforce development.
Other recognized initiatives include:
An advanced supply chain system developed by a confidential government entity, streamlining logistics operations through digitization and intelligent infrastructure.
The Mishkat Metaverse initiative by King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, designed to promote interactive, immersive education in the renewable energy sector.
The Khalid, Smart Assistant by King Khalid University, offering AI-driven support services to students and faculty for academic and administrative needs.
The awards reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to realizing Vision 2030 through the integration of advanced technologies in government services—spanning AI, cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital automation.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hasan Al Ammer, Superintendent of the Digital Economy Center Riyadh, highlighted the need to embed a digital-first culture within all government institutions. He was joined by Ronak Samantaray, CEO of GEC, in presenting the awards during a keynote that underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of governance.
“This initiative is not just about recognizing excellence—it’s about setting a new benchmark for digital governance in the Kingdom and beyond,” said Dr. Al Ammer.
The Pioneers in E-Services in the Kingdom Awards are an extension of the CIO 200 Summit’s long-standing legacy. With a presence in over 50 countries and a global network of thousands of CIOs, the summit continues to be the world’s largest platform celebrating leadership and innovation in IT and digital transformation.
