Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha is one of the most well-known leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s communications and IT sectors. After taking office in 2017, he became the seventh minister to serve as the minister of communications and information technology.
Alswaha is responsible for carrying out the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which endeavours to establish the Kingdom as a cutting-edge, interconnected, and inventive digital society using the development of communications and information technology infrastructure, services, and human resources, as well as the improvement of cybersecurity, digital governance, and the digital economy.
Alswaha managed the Kingdom’s Digital Transformation Office as General Supervisor before to being appointed Minister. He oversaw the most significant initiatives to bring about digital transformation, such as creating a digital identity for the country, encouraging the use of open data, and fostering digital entrepreneurship.
Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha’s Academic Background
Alswaha, who attended King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Eastern Province, has an impressive academic background and real-world expertise in communications and information technology.
After graduating from electrical engineering bachelor’s programme, he enrolled in the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He also completed Harvard Business School’s executive education programme with honours.
His Career
In 2005, Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha began working for SISCO Saudi Arabia. During this period, he advanced to senior roles, and in 2016, he became the company’s general manager and CEO. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation endeavours, SISCO Holding emerged as the principal collaborator.
Alswaha served in a variety of ministries, including the Departments of Defence, Interior, Education, Health, Justice, Communications, and Information Technology, from 2005 until 2010.
He is on the boards of directors of several businesses and industries in addition to the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and the Technology Advisory Council at Prince Muhammad bin Fahd University in Al-Khobar.
Additionally, he established the social entrepreneurial incubator Opiva, which introduced the first smartphone health app in the Middle East.
The Head of Multiple Administrative Boards
Alswaha heads the boards of directors of the following committees and administrative boards in addition to his role as Minister of Communications and Information Technology:
The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the Saudi Space Agency, the Digital Government Authority, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, and the Research, Development and Innovation Development Authority. He also has positions on committees related to ministers, the economy, and society, such as those at NEOM, King Saud University, and the Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation.
Awards and Prizes:
Alswaha received many honours, including the Chairman of the Board Award for Best CEO of the Year 2016, the Best Leader in SISCO Middle East award in 2012 and 2013, and the Technology Personality of the Year from ITP Magazine (2013–2016).
