Estonia and Saudi Arabia Forge Groundbreaking Digital Partnerships
Estonia is taking bold steps to help Saudi Arabia advance its digital future through a series of strategic collaborations, including the launch of the country’s own digital residency program. This deal, signed last week during the LEAP 2025 technology conference in Riyadh, marks a key milestone in Estonia’s growing digital partnership with the Kingdom, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 to diversify its economy.
At the heart of this collaboration is a partnership between Estonian digital identity company, B.EST Solutions, and Saudi’s Professional Solutions. Together, they will develop the mResidency program, a mobile identity service that provides secure access to Saudi Arabia’s growing digital infrastructure and business opportunities. This program is designed to attract global talent and investors by offering them a government-verified digital identity.
The mResidency initiative draws inspiration from Estonia’s successful e-Residency program, which has provided entrepreneurs worldwide with access to Estonia’s digital ecosystem since 2014. The program allows non-Estonian residents to establish and manage businesses entirely online, offering a unique model for how digital governance can boost global economic connectivity.
Estonian companies are already benefiting from increased business activity in the region, with growing exports to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. As the region pushes for digital transformation, Estonia’s proven track record in secure e-government services has positioned it as an ideal partner. This partnership between B.EST Solutions and Saudi Arabia further strengthens the economic ties between the two countries, building on previous efforts to improve digital health and other services.
Estonia’s role in Saudi Arabia’s digital development was highlighted by Doris Põld, CEO of the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL), during the LEAP 2025 conference. Põld emphasized how strong governmental support has been essential to the success of Estonia’s digital solutions, helping Estonian companies expand into new international markets.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan is heavily focused on modernizing the country’s public services and diversifying its economy away from oil dependency. Central to this transformation is the improvement of government services and the introduction of initiatives like the Absher platform, which has been essential in streamlining civil registration, passport issuance, and traffic management. The mResidency program is another step in this broader plan.
The growing cooperation between Estonia and Saudi Arabia has also resulted in other significant agreements, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in digital healthcare. These initiatives are part of a broader effort by both nations to create a digitally-enabled future, supported by Estonia’s world-class e-governance systems and Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving technological landscape.
As these partnerships deepen, they also contribute to further collaboration with other nations in the Gulf region. Estonia has already established a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which shares many of the same digital governance goals. Programs such as Abu Dhabi’s TAMM platform and Digital Dubai’s Zero Government Bureaucracy initiative reflect the UAE’s push toward reducing administrative burdens and improving service access.
The signing of the mResidency agreement is a critical step in establishing Saudi Arabia as a digital powerhouse. This initiative not only enhances access to Saudi business environments but also serves as a model for other countries in the region looking to embrace digital transformation.
In addition to the mResidency program, the LEAP 2025 conference saw the signing of a joint venture between Estonian company Bamboo Group and Skyeys from Saudi Arabia, focusing on infrastructure security. These agreements demonstrate the diverse and growing cooperation between Estonia and Saudi Arabia, with both countries committed to building a secure, efficient, and interconnected digital future.
For Estonia, these partnerships are crucial in expanding its digital footprint in the Middle East, aligning with its long-term strategy to share its expertise in digital identity, blockchain, and e-government solutions with the world. As the partnership continues to grow, it promises to pave the way for further innovations in digital governance and international business.
With these new agreements, Estonia and Saudi Arabia are not just enhancing their bilateral relations but are setting the stage for a transformative digital future that could have far-reaching impacts across the globe. As both countries embrace digital evolution, they are paving the way for other nations to follow suit, embracing technology to streamline governance and improve access to essential services.
As the world moves toward more integrated digital economies, collaborations like the one between Estonia and Saudi Arabia will likely become key examples of how nations can harness the power of technology for economic and societal advancement. This partnership is not only a step forward for both nations but a glimpse into the future of global digital innovation.
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