Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, A Saudi businessman and engineer, and the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology since April 24, 2017, has emerged as a symbol of technological and digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He has played a central role in advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the fields of innovation,
the digital economy, and technological infrastructure—whether through his leadership at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) or his chairmanship of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
Early Life and Background
Born in a conservative Saudi environment that highly valued education and academic excellence,
Abdullah Al-Swaha showed a strong passion for engineering and technology from a young age.
He completed his primary and secondary education in Saudi Arabia before traveling abroad to pursue his university studies.
Education
Al-Swaha earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)—one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious technical institutions.
He later continued his education in the United States, enrolling at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,
where he specialized in communications and information technology.
In addition, he received executive certifications in digital leadership from top global institutions, including Harvard University and INSEAD.
Career Overview
Abdullah Al-Swaha was appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology on April 24, 2017,
and is also a member of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.
- He currently holds several key leadership roles, including:
- Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA)
- Chairman of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
- Chairman of the National Cybersecurity Authority
- Member of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs
Major Achievements
Leading Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation
Since his appointment as Minister in 2017, Al-Swaha has led massive efforts to upgrade the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure. During his tenure:
The telecom infrastructure improved by over 150%.
Saudi Arabia ranked among the top nations in digital government development, according to the United Nations e-Government Index.
Establishing and Developing SDAIA
Al-Swaha oversaw the creation of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA),
which has become the Kingdom’s central body for AI and big data leadership.
Under his guidance, SDAIA launched a vision to position Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader by 2030.
Cybersecurity Leadership
As chairman of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Al-Swaha contributed to:
- Establishing a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework for cybersecurity.
- Enhancing the readiness of government entities to face cyber threats.
- Launching training programs for thousands of Saudis in cybersecurity fields.
Championing Innovation and Scientific Research
At the helm of KACST, he has:
- Developed advanced research centers in renewable energy, space, and biotechnology.
- Strengthened partnerships with global tech giants like Google, Amazon, and IBM.
- Supported local innovation and funded startups focused on emerging technologies.
Advancing the Digital Economy
Al-Swaha has also played a major role in:
- Boosting the e-commerce sector, which has grown by over 80%.
- Attracting significant foreign investment in tech.
- Driving digital transformation in both government and private sectors.
National Milestones Under His Leadership
- Saudi Arabia ranked 1st in digital competitiveness by the European Center for Digital Competitiveness.
- Became one of the top 10 countries in average internet speed according to SpeedTest.
- Ranked 9th globally in digital skills development by the World Economic Forum.
- Localization in the ICT sector rose from 37% to 56%.
- Female participation in the ICT workforce increased from 7% to 25%.
Personal Life
Despite his extensive professional responsibilities, Abdullah Al-Swaha is known for his strong family and community values.
He maintains a balanced personal life and is private about his family. Reports suggest he is married with children and has a passion for reading, technology, and sports, particularly cycling.
He is widely described as a team-oriented leader who believes in empowerment and is committed to developing highly skilled national talent.
Wealth and Influence
There are no public records detailing Abdullah Al-Swaha’s personal net worth, as he is a public servant rather than a conventional businessman.
However, he is considered an economically influential figure due to his oversight of multi-billion-riyal investments in technology, AI, and digital infrastructure.
His international relationships and memberships in key national boards position him as a prominent figure of both financial and intellectual influence in the tech and innovation sectors.
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