In Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey toward Vision 2030, data has emerged as a national asset — critical for enabling economic diversification, government transparency, improved healthcare, smarter cities, and citizen-centric services. But to unlock its full potential, organizations must go beyond collecting data — they must build a clear, actionable data strategy.

At DataEnabler.org, we specialize in guiding public and private entities in developing data strategies that align with Vision 2030 and NDMO (National Data Management Office) standards. In this blog, we explore how to build a data strategy that is both technically sound and nationally relevant.

Why a Data Strategy Is Vital for Vision 2030

Vision 2030 outlines a digital, data-powered future for Saudi Arabia. Every strategic pillar — from transforming the healthcare system to enhancing government effectiveness — depends on high-quality, well-governed, and accessible data.

A data strategy ensures your organization:

• Aligns with national regulations and NDMO frameworks

• Converts data into insight and impact

• Supports interoperability across sectors

• Reduces risks from data silos, duplication, and poor quality

Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Vision 2030-Aligned Data Strategy

1. Understand the National Context

Start by studying:

• Vision 2030 sectoral priorities

• NDMO’s policies, such as the Data Governance Framework, Data Sharing Policy, and Data Classification Policy

• Your organization’s role within the national transformation landscape

🔹 Tip: Reference key national KPIs (e.g., health digitization, education quality, smart cities) and identify how data can support them.

2. Define Your Data Vision and Objectives

Your data vision must align with both organizational goals and the national vision.

Example Vision Statement:
"To enable secure, high-quality, and accessible data that drives decision-making and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals."

Common strategic objectives include:

• Ensuring regulatory data compliance (NDMO, PDPL)

• Improving data quality and trust

• Empowering users through self-service analytics

• Enabling real-time, cross-sector data sharing

3. Assess Your Current Data Maturity

Use frameworks like:

• NDMO’s Data Governance Maturity Model

• DAMA-DMBOK capability assessments

Evaluate your maturity across:

• Data architecture

• Data governance

• Metadata management

• Master data

• Analytics & BI

This will help identify gaps and define priorities.

4. Design a Target State Framework

Build a blueprint for what your data landscape should look like. Include:

• Data domains and ownership structure

• Governance operating model (roles, responsibilities)

• Data lifecycle and stewardship workflows

• Architecture and technology roadmap (data warehouse, catalogs, integration layers)

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success

📌 Align this framework with the NDMO’s Data Enablement and Data Management Models.

5. Embed National Standards and Compliance

Make sure your data strategy fully integrates:

• NDMO policies on classification, sharing, and quality

• Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)

• Cybersecurity standards (NCA)

• Open data guidelines (where applicable)

Your strategy must serve internal transformation and meet national compliance.

6. Enable Data Governance and Stewardship

Establish:

• A Data Management Office (DMO)

• Clearly defined Data Owners and Stewards

• Data governance councils and escalation paths

• Continuous quality and compliance monitoring

🧭 Governance is not bureaucracy — it’s the operating model that enables trust, clarity, and reuse of data.

7. Operationalize Through a Roadmap

Break the strategy into realistic phases, such as:

• Phase 1: Foundations (governance, classification, quality)

• Phase 2: Data platform and catalog implementation

• Phase 3: Self-service BI and analytics enablement

• Phase 4: Data sharing and integration with external bodies

Each phase should have clear deliverables, resources, and executive sponsors.

8. Promote a Data Culture

No strategy can succeed without people. Drive adoption through:

• Executive sponsorship and communication

• Training and awareness campaigns

• Embedding data KPIs into performance measurement

• Celebrating early wins

🌱 “Vision without execution is hallucination.” A strong data culture ensures lasting change.

Real-World Impact

Organizations that align their data strategy with Vision 2030 see benefits like:

• Faster and more reliable reporting

• Improved compliance with national standards

• Increased data-driven innovation

• Better citizen experiences through connected services

Final Thoughts

A data strategy is more than a document — it’s a living framework that aligns your people, processes, and platforms with national transformation goals.

At DataEnabler.org, we help organizations turn strategic vision into operational reality. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your roadmap, we provide tailored support, national compliance expertise, and execution excellence.

📩 Ready to build your data strategy for Vision 2030?
Contact us for a strategic consultation today.