New sandbox opens Saudi superapp to private sector
Private developers can now access 34 million users via regulated sandbox
#SaudiArabia #digitalservices - Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched a regulated sandbox for the Kingdom's national superapp platform Tawakkalna, opening applications for private sector companies to integrate services for the platform's 34 million users. The AI-powered platform, which evolved from COVID-19 management to offer over 600 government services, scored 91.29% in the Kingdom's Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024. The new sandbox initiative now enables private companies to test digital services through a regulated framework designed to strengthen public-private collaboration whilst maintaining security standards.
SO WHAT? - The sandbox initiative aims to transform Tawakkalna from a government-only platform into a comprehensive digital ecosystem with the participation of the private sector. This will both open up new services for the AI-powered superapp’s 34 million users and new opportunities for Saudi businesses, technology firms and the Kingdom’s growing ecosystem of tech startups. Known as the superapp that unifies government services in one platform, the new sandbox marks the start of a planned transition to a unified platform that combines public and private sector services.
Here are some key points about the new Tawakkalna sandbox.
Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched a regulated sandbox for the national AI-powered Tawakkalna superapp platform, opening applications for private sector companies to develop services for the government platform for the first time.
Tawakkalna provides access to over 34 million users across Saudi Arabia, so sandbox participants will get to test pilot services with real users whilst assessing service quality and alignment with user experience standards.
Originally launched for COVID-19 management, Tawakkalna evolved into a comprehensive superapp offering over 600 government services with personalised experiences, predictive analytics, and enhanced security features.
Private sector applications will undergo evaluation based on criteria including valid commercial registration, regulatory compliance, governance policy adherence, alignment with national values, and offering services in Arabic as the primary language.
Tawakkalna recently achieved top ranking in Saudi Arabia's Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024, scoring 91.29% across 20 evaluation criteria including user satisfaction, experience, complaint handling, and digital technology integration.
The sandbox framework allows companies to test digital services in a secure technical environment whilst fostering innovation and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors through regulated integration.
Future platform developments planned for Tawakkalna include expanding AI-driven personalisation capabilities, integrating more predictive analytics for user needs, and leveraging blockchain technology for greater security in government transactions.
ZOOM OUT - Tawakkalna represents one of the world's most comprehensive government super-apps. Evolving from its primary use as an emergency COVID-19 health status tracking app in 2020, the superapp is now a unified digital services platform. Tawakkalna now offers over 600 government services including vaccination certificates, travel permits, real-time health updates, and secure access to personal health data. The app now supports educational activities, cultural events, and daily administrative tasks through continuous interface improvements and medical service integrations. By combining essential services with user-friendly design and robust security features, the Tawakkalna superapp has become a mandatory service for Saudi residents and a global example of an innovative public sector digital platform.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]