Free and Open-Source Government Software

Adoption and Transformation Process

As part of its efforts to achieve Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is accelerating its digital transformation by strategically adopting free and open-source software. This approach aims to enhance the technical infrastructure, stimulate innovation, diversify the national economy, and improve the quality of digital government services. Through the adoption of open-source data, the Kingdom seeks to foster a resilient knowledge-based economy while solidifying its position as a global leader in technology and innovation.

As part of these national efforts, the Kingdom is launching a wide range of platforms and initiatives that enable developers, companies, and government entities to participate and contribute to open-source data projects. It also encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to build advanced technological solutions that enhance infrastructure efficiency and strengthen the Kingdom's international competitiveness.

Key Definitions

The Kingdom’s approach to free and open-source government software is based on fundamental principles of transparency, collaboration, and innovation. The following terms are essential for understanding this framework:

• Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS): Computer programs whose source code is available to the public for use as-is or with modifications, typically without requiring license fees.

• Source Code: The commands and instructions written in a programming language that make up any software application.

• Government License: A license granted through documentation issued by the Digital Government Authority, applicable to software owned by the government.

• Repository: A digital platform for storing and distributing government software.

• Government Software: All source code written for the benefit of a government entity and owned by the state.

Benefits of Free and Open-Source Software

The adoption of free and open-source software offers multiple benefits, including:

• Reusability: Enhancing opportunities for software reuse.

• Collaboration: Facilitating cooperation among government entities, unifying practices and technologies.

• Transparency: Reducing reliance on proprietary software vendors and limiting monopolistic practices.

• Integration: Improving interoperability between systems and increasing opportunities for integration across diverse sources.

Impact of the Free and Open-Source Software Strategy

The Kingdom’s FOSS strategy plays a transformative role in:

• Strengthening the local IT ecosystem and supporting the digital economy.

• Encouraging local companies and developing domestic talent in the IT sector.

• Enhancing IT spending efficiency in government by optimizing resource allocation.

Governance and Regulatory Framework

The General Authority for Real Estate is committed to implementing the regulatory framework for free and open-source government software as defined by the Digital Government Authority, which serves as the supervisory body for digital governance in the Kingdom, based on Council of Ministers Resolution No. (14) dated 01/02/1443 AH.

These efforts align with the national strategy led by the National Committee for Free and Open-Source Government Software, which includes representatives from key government and technology entities. The committee works on establishing policies and regulations governing the development and use of open-source software at the government level.

The General Authority for Real Estate seeks to fully adhere to these directives and actively contribute to achieving digital transformation goals by adopting best technical practices aligned with this national framework.

Free and Open-Source Government Software Strategy

The strategy led by the National Committee focuses on:

• Promoting reuse and sharing of source code.

• Encouraging collaboration between government entities.

• Reducing dependence on proprietary software vendors and addressing integration challenges.

• Establishing consistent policies for the use and development of government software.

Government Software Repository

This is a national platform developed by government entities to deposit free and open-source government software. Its core services include:

• Source code repository

• Source code browsing

• Government software licensing

Objectives:

• Promote the adoption of open-source software across government entities.

• Improve IT spending efficiency.

Reduce dependence on proprietary software vendors.

Product List

Important Links

Digital Government Authority - Product Library of the General Real Estate Authority