Saudi Arabia’s Absher Platform Reaches 28 Million Digital Identities Milestone

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced that its electronic platform “Absher” has surpassed 28 million issued unified digital identities as of December 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom’s digital transformation initiatives. The achievement shows remarkable growth from the platform’s initial launch in 2015, when it began with basic government services.

The Absher platform serves as a comprehensive digital gateway, enabling users to access various Ministry of Interior services through three main channels: Absher Individuals, Absher Business, and Absher Government. Users can interact with more than 500 government and private entities through the unified national access portal known as “Nafath.” The platform has evolved from its original focus on passport and civil status services to become an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation strategy.

The platform’s digital identity system supports the implementation of digital transformation services and national electronic transactions. These electronic services meet high-quality standards that have contributed to Saudi Arabia’s advancement in the United Nations digital services index. The system incorporates multiple authentication factors, including biometric verification and mobile-based authentication, to ensure secure access to services.

Operational data reveals that the Absher platform processed over 605,000 daily operations during the past year, demonstrating the system’s robust performance and widespread adoption. The Ministry of Interior has implemented advanced technical solutions to optimize service procedures and enhance user experiences. The improvements include AI-powered verification systems and cloud-based infrastructure that ensures 24/7 availability.

The platform’s success supports Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation goals, providing citizens and residents with streamlined access to government services. The digital identity system serves as a foundational element for secure electronic transactions and service delivery across both public and private sectors. The integration has been particularly crucial during the recent push toward paperless government services and remote authentication capabilities.

The digital identity system “supports seamless and reliable implementation of digital transformation services and national electronic transactions,” said the Ministry of Interior, highlighting its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s position in global digital service rankings. The platform’s security features include end-to-end encryption and compliance with international digital identity standards, making it a model for similar initiatives in the region.

Sources: Asharq Al-Awsat, The Peninsula Qatar, Sahm Capital, Saudi Gazette

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December 26, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team