In a strategic move aimed at enhancing transparency and supporting scientific research, the CEO of the Saudi Geological Survey, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shamrani, launched the Survey's new official digital portal. This launch is part of the Kingdom's comprehensive digital transformation and aims to make geological data available to researchers, investors, and other interested parties, thus serving the goals of sustainable development for natural resources.
Historical background and pivotal role in Vision 2030
The Saudi Geological Survey was established in 1999 as the Kingdom's technical arm for all matters related to earth sciences. Since its inception, the Survey has played a vital role in surveying and documenting the Kingdom's mineral wealth and natural resources. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Survey's role has become even more crucial, as the mining sector is a cornerstone of the national economic diversification strategy. The Survey works directly to achieve the goals of this vision by providing accurate geological data, which forms the basis for attracting global and domestic investments to the promising mining sector.
Strategic dimensions and expected impacts
The Authority's official spokesperson, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, explained that the new portal was designed to be a reliable and comprehensive resource for specialists and students in earth sciences. It offers a complete overview of the Authority's activities and technical work, and provides direct access to the latest studies, statistical data, and geological maps. This portal is expected to have numerous positive impacts
- On a local level, the portal will accelerate scientific research at Saudi universities and research centers, and will provide local investors with accurate information to help them make informed investment decisions in the natural resources sector. In addition, the available data will support urban planning efforts and the management of natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods.
- At the regional and international levels, this project reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for earth sciences and geological data management. Furthermore, providing this wealth of information with high transparency attracts global mining and exploration companies, placing the Kingdom on the global mining map and supporting the stability of strategic mineral supply chains worldwide.
Commitment to transparency and continuous improvement
The authority affirmed that launching the portal is not merely a technical update, but a firm commitment to the principle of transparency and facilitating access to information. It pledged to update the data regularly to ensure its accuracy and timeliness, thereby building bridges of trust and effective partnership with all beneficiaries, including researchers, investors, students, and citizens, and contributing to raising environmental and societal awareness of the importance of the Kingdom's natural resources and how to utilize them optimally.
