Free and Open- Source Government Software

In pursuit of Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is accelerating its digital transformation by strategically adopting free and open-source software (OSS). This approach plays a pivotal role in strengthening the Kingdom’s technological infrastructure, fostering innovation, diversifying the economy, and enhancing the quality of digital government services. Through open-source adoption, Saudi Arabia aims to cultivate a resilient knowledge economy while reinforcing its position as a global leader in technology and innovation.

As part of this national effort, the Kingdom is launching a wide range of platforms and initiatives that empower developers, businesses, and government entities to participate in and contribute to open-source projects. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is at the heart of this strategy, driving the development of advanced digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and increase Saudi Arabia’s competitive edge in the global digital economy.

The Kingdom’s approach to free and open-source government software is built on core principles of transparency, collaboration, and innovation. The following terms are central to understanding this framework:

• Free and Open-Source Software (OSS): Software whose source code is publicly accessible, modifiable, and distributable without licensing fees.
• Source Code: A set of instructions written in a programming language that defines how software operates.
• Government License: Authorization issued by the DGA outlining conditions for licensing government-owned software.
• Repository: A digital platform for the storage and distribution of government-developed software.
• Government Software: Software developed for and owned by government entities.

The adoption of OSS provides multiple advantages:

• Reusability: Facilitates the reuse of software across government entities.
• Collaboration: Enhances cooperation between agencies by standardizing practices and technologies.
• Transparency: Reduces dependence on proprietary vendors and mitigates monopolistic practices.
• Integration: Simplifies the integration of diverse software solutions, improving system interoperability.

Saudi Arabia’s OSS strategy plays a transformative role in:

• Strengthening the local IT ecosystem and supporting the digital economy.
• Encouraging local enterprises and developing domestic talent in the IT sector.
• Increasing the efficiency of government IT expenditures by optimizing resource allocation.

The Digital Government Authority (DGA) has been appointed as the primary entity responsible for overseeing digital governance in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. (14), dated 1/2/1443 AH. Under this resolution, the DGA leads the National Committee for Free and Open-Source Government Software, which includes representatives from key government and technology entities such as:

• The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
• King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
• The Public Investment Fund
• The National Cybersecurity Authority
• The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence

This committee is tasked with implementing regulations for free and open-source government software. Key initiatives include:

• Establishing a national government software repository
• Issuing government software licenses
• Developing guidelines to streamline procurement, development, and reuse of government software

These initiatives are designed to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, promote reuse, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s integrated digital ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia’s OSS ecosystem is characterized by dynamic initiatives and collaborative efforts:

• Key contributors include the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Yesser e-Government Program, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
• Educational institutions play a vital role in fostering talent and promoting OSS adoption.

This collaborative ecosystem enhances the Kingdom’s technological infrastructure and supports both local and global participation.

In alignment with its mandate, the DGA coordinates efforts to reinforce the Kingdom’s digital governance framework. It formulates policies, programs, and guidelines that govern the use of free and open-source software (FOSS) across government entities. The DGA also ensures that operational, managerial, and project workflows across government bodies adhere to these standards, enabling the delivery of seamless, comprehensive, and secure digital services.

The strategy led by the National Committee for Free and Open-Source Government Software focuses on:

• Promoting reuse and sharing of source code.
• Encouraging collaboration across government agencies.
• Reducing reliance on commercial vendors and addressing integration challenges.
• Establishing cohesive policies for the use and development of government software.

To create a dynamic and sustainable digital ecosystem that supports Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and technological leadership.

• Expand the network of technology enterprises and societies
• Attract foreign investment in the tech sector
• Create high-quality job opportunities in technology
• Develop local tech talent
• Optimize government IT spending
• Foster innovation and technological sustainability

• Leadership in Future Technologies: Encouraging the adoption of OSS by government agencies and generating demand for local open-source solutions.
• Transformation of IT Expenditure: Shifting from traditional capital expenditure models to investments in OSS, cloud computing, and emerging technologies.
• Creating a Streamlined Ecosystem (“Blue Ocean”): Building a supportive environment for technology innovation, talent development, and local enterprise growth.

• Establish 20 OSS companies, generating SAR 2.1 billion in revenue over five years.
• Engage 250 government entities in adopting OSS methodologies.
• Train 1,822 professionals in OSS development and use.
• Launch 8 OSS communities and 7 educational programs focused on OSS.

• Fostering Leadership in Emerging Technologies: Programs to support investment in cutting-edge technologies and OSS.
• Revolutionizing IT Spending: Frameworks to promote the adoption of OSS and optimize IT budgets.
• Empowering the Modern Technology Ecosystem: Building communities of developers, entrepreneurs, and incubators to stimulate collaboration and innovation.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in IT is projected to reach SAR 65 billion between 2021 and 2025. This includes significant allocations for OSS adoption and digital infrastructure development. In 2019 alone, government IT spending reached SAR 11.97 billion, demonstrating the Kingdom’s strategic commitment to OSS as a foundation of its digital transformation.

The OSS strategy targets:

• Government entities and their subsidiaries
• The broader tech ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators, and talent pools (the “Blue Ocean”)

A national platform for storing and accessing OSS developed by government agencies.

Core Services Include:

• Code Depository
• Source Code Review
• Government Software Licensing
• Objectives:
• Support OSS adoption across government entities
• Increase IT expenditure efficiency
• Reduce dependence on commercial software vendors

The legal framework governs the use of OSS by government entities (excluding security and military agencies). Over 200 government bodies currently hold licenses under this framework.

Statistical Overview (As of 2023)

• Licenses Issued: 201
• Software Deposited: 203
• OSS Available: 200
• Repository Users: 892
• Reusable Government Software: 73
• Instances of Software Reuse: 118

 For more details on the license and to explore open-source products, visit the following link or check for additional resources on the following link.

Saudi Arabia’s OSS initiatives continue to drive digital innovation and foster a thriving digital economy. Key initiatives include:

• Digital Market Initiative: A platform to showcase digital products and services, promoting engagement and economic growth.

• Cloud Government Software Repository: Expands access to tools for government entities and developers, facilitating collaboration and innovation.

• Joint Development and Co-Creation: Encourages public participation in addressing government challenges, enhancing transparency and innovation.

These efforts advance the Kingdom towards its Vision 2030 goals, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in digital transformation and open-source technology.

Saudi Arabia’s OSS journey demonstrates a strategic, phased approach to digital transformation:

• 2013: The launch of open-source initiatives began with the “Motah” program at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
• 2014 - 2017: The introduction of programs such as “Yesser” and “Masader,” which provided guidelines and best practices for OSS adoption.
• 2017: A renewed focus by government agencies on OSS to enhance IT efficiency and promote local solutions.
• 2019: Acceleration of digital transformation efforts, integrating OSS in multiple sectors.
• 2021 - 2023: Issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. (14) formalizing regulations for free and open-source government software, establishing a government repository, and implementing software standards and licensing processes.

• Free and open-source government software strategy
• Sources for electronic services
• Free and open-source government software system in the Kingdom (Go-Oss)
• Government license document for government software
• Government software deposit program
• Open source products