The satellites 'SaudiSat 1A' and 'SaudiSat 1B' were the first satellites launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2000 to receive, store, and transmit data to ground stations. These were followed by the launch of sixteen satellites up until 2021, including SaudiSat 1C, SaudiSat 2, SaudiComSat 1 and SaudiComSat 2, SaudiSat 3, the data relay satellite system (SaudiComSat 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), SaudiSat 4, the moon exploration mission Chang'e 4, SaudiSat 5A and SaudiSat 5B, and...
Yes, it is King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology ( KACST ), established in 1977 under the name 'Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology (SANCST).' It was renamed King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in 1985. The center is headquartered in Riyadh , the capital of the Kingdom. King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology operates in the fields of science and technology and industrial development through its scientific research. It contributes to the...
The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) is a Saudi program that aims to strengthen the information technology (IT) sector, boost its efficiency, and ensure sustainable growth by leveraging financial and knowledge components, in collaboration with several government entities. Launched in 2020 with a budget of SAR2.5 billion, it seeks to support and accelerate the growth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s information technology sector. Objectives of the National Technology Development ...
Cybersecurity Bootcamps are training camps in the field of cybersecurity launched by the National Cybersecurity Authority on June 6, 2024, in collaboration with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) . These bootcamps target undergraduate students specializing in cybersecurity or related disciplines. Location of Cybersecurity Bootcamps The Cybersecurity Bootcamp training sessions were held in the capital, Riyadh , as well as in the cities of Jeddah and al-Khobar . The bootcamps lasted ...
The Saudi Information Technology Company 'SITE' is one of the Public Investment Fund Companies. Established in 2017, it leverages its domestic capabilities and international partnerships to develop innovative and reliable products, services, and solutions in the fields of cybersecurity and cloud computing. Additionally, SITE works on system integration and human capital development. SITE's role The Saudi Information Technology Company 'SITE' provides cybersecurity servi...
The communications and information technology sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest government sectors established in the Kingdom. It is supervised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology . Interest in establishing the Directorate of Post, Telephone, and Telegraph (PTT) began under the reign of King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in 1926 aiming to connect the Kingdom's provinces and handle all kinds of postal and communications services. Histo...
Yes, there are Saudi astronauts. Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz was the first Saudi astronaut who participated in the mission to launch the first satellite for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat). He flew on the STS-51G mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in June 1985. On May 21, 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sent the second Saudi male astronaut, Ali al-Qarni , and the first Saudi female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi , to the International Space Station, lo...
The Digital Wellbeing Program 'Sync' is a Saudi awareness program aimed at promoting healthy digital practices to mitigate the impact of excessive technology use on individuals and society and protect them from its harms. It is based on specialized research and studies conducted in collaboration with universities and research centers. The program was launched by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture 'Ithra' in Dhahran City , Eastern Province , on September 7, 2021. Res...
The Space Tech Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is an initiative launched by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology ( KAUST ) and 'The Garage' on May 26, 2024. The program focuses on space technologies by supporting early-stage startups through a package of training, mentorship, and financial support to help these startups enter the space sector market. The importance of the Space Tech Entreprene...
SaudiGeoSat (SGS-1) is the first Saudi satellite for communications. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology , announced its launch on February 5, 2019, from the French Guiana Space Center aboard the 'Ariane 5' rocket. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the crown prince and prime minister, signed the satellite's final part with the writing “above the clouds”. Objectives of launching SGS-1 By launchin...
The Future Heroes Initiative for Digital Skills Development is an initiative launched by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (now known as the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission ), as part of the programs for enhancing digital citizenship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aims to raise the level of digital skills among young people, create a well-informed and integrated community, and equip individuals with the necessary skills to meet technological knowledge...
The BRIDGE Initiative is one of six initiatives launched by the National Information Technology Development Program during the second edition of the Global Tech Conference 'LEAP 2023', held from February 6-9, 2023, in Riyadh City, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), the initiative aims to support tech startups in expanding internationally outsid...