Saudi arabia: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), announced the outcomes of the Global Economic Model Study (GEMS), which it launched during the 2025 edition in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This announcement came at the conclusion of its participation in the Global Symposium for Regulators GSR26, hosted in Ankara and organized by the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau under the theme "Navigating Digital Frontiers." The symposium featured a series of meetings and engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration among regulators, policymakers, officials, and private-sector stakeholders.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the GEMS initiative is part of the Kingdom's global efforts to bridge the digital divide by developing innovative tools and models to address investment requirements and challenges in digital infrastructure. The initiative's impact is providing financing solutions for network deployment in remote areas, supporting decision-makers in ensuring business sustainability, stimulating investment in the telecom sector, and advancing digital inclusion across various sectors. The initiative was applied in five countries: Saudi Arabia, Germany, Ghana, Thailand, and Guatemala.
During the symposium, the Kingdom also participated in the Digital Regulation Network meeting, represented by Deputy Governor for Regulation and Competition at CST Eng. Omar AlRejraje and a board member of the network, alongside representatives of regional regulatory networks. The meeting discussed key developments and pioneering initiatives by regulatory authorities, as well as ways to enhance cooperation toward a unified regulatory approach that supports digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy through knowledge exchange and capacity building at both regional and international levels. Additionally, Deputy Governor of Studies and Innovation at CST Mufarreh Nahari, took part in a session titled "Experimenting for Regulatory Excellence," where he emphasized that robust digital infrastructure doesn't rely on expanding, but through precise regulatory decisions that align economic feasibility with sustainable development priorities.
The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) is an annual event and a key platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise on major issues and emerging trends, as well as for reviewing international best regulatory practices. It brings together regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the global digital ecosystem. GSR is a leading global forum for regulators to exchange insights and shape regulatory pathways toward a resilient and inclusive digital future. Saudi Arabia hosted the 25th edition last year in Riyadh, reflecting the international community's trust in its leading role in the digital domain, its contributions to advancing the objectives of the ITU, and its position as a hub for innovative digital regulation and global dialogue, as well as its active role in supporting SDGs and advancing efforts to connect humanity worldwide.