A Trailblazer in Global Digital Innovation
AlYahya’s unwavering dedication to digital excellence has made her one of the most influential voices in the global tech industry. Her expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain, and fintech positions her as a thought leader whose impact will be felt for decades to come.
@Deemah AlYahya’s journey from a technology enthusiast to a global leader in digital transformation and governance is a testament to her vision, determination, and expertise. With an extensive career spanning corporate leadership, government digital strategy, and international diplomacy, she has played a pivotal role in driving Saudi Arabia’s digital economy growth and shaping global policies for digital cooperation.
Her leadership in various public and private sector organizations, including the National Digital Transformation Unit (NDU), Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), has revolutionized the way digital economies function. She has championed inclusive digital policies, women’s empowerment in tech, and innovation-driven economic strategies that extend beyond Saudi Arabia, influencing digital ecosystems worldwide.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Position as a Global Digital Powerhouse
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places technology and digital innovation at its core, aiming to diversify the economy and create a world-leading digital ecosystem. Deemah AlYahya has been instrumental in executing digital transformation initiatives that align with this vision, ensuring that Saudi businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals can leverage cutting-edge technologies to compete on a global scale.
As the former CEO of the National Digital Transformation Unit (NDU), she played a crucial role in accelerating Saudi Arabia’s adoption of AI, IoT, and smart city technologies. Under her leadership, NDU forged strategic partnerships with General Electric (GE), NXN, and other global tech leaders, facilitating the rapid digitization of industries such as:
- Healthcare – Advancing AI-driven medical diagnostics and digital health records.
- Finance – Implementing fintech solutions to revolutionize banking and payment systems.
- Education – Enhancing e-learning platforms and digital literacy programs.
- Transportation – Supporting smart mobility solutions and autonomous vehicle initiatives.
By fostering public-private collaborations, AlYahya bridged the gap between traditional industries and the digital economy, making Saudi Arabia a leading hub for innovation and tech investment.
Empowering Women & Youth in Technology: A Mission for Inclusion
Despite the rapid growth of the digital economy, gender disparity remains a significant challenge in the global tech industry. Recognizing this, Deemah AlYahya has dedicated her career to empowering women and youth through education, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Women Spark: Breaking Gender Barriers in STEM
In 2013, she founded Women Spark, a non-profit organization aimed at supporting women in technology fields. The initiative provides:
- Tech-focused training programs that equip women with coding, AI, and cybersecurity skills.
- Mentorship networks that connect aspiring female tech professionals with industry leaders.
- Investment guidance to help women-led startups secure funding and scale their businesses.
Under her leadership, Women Spark has trained over 26,000 women and continues to inspire a new generation of female tech entrepreneurs and innovators.
Her advocacy extends beyond Saudi Arabia, as she actively participates in global women-in-tech forums, encouraging multinational corporations and policymakers to adopt gender-inclusive digital strategies.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO): Uniting Nations for a Common Digital Future
AlYahya’s appointment as the first Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in 2021 was a defining moment in her career. The DCO is the first intergovernmental body dedicated solely to digital economy growth, bringing together countries to foster international collaboration in technology.
As the driving force behind DCO’s initiatives, she has successfully:
- Expanded DCO’s membership by engaging key economies to join forces in digital transformation efforts.
- Developed global digital policies to promote fair and inclusive access to digital resources.
- Accelerated AI, blockchain, and cloud computing advancements to enhance economic and social impact.
- Led discussions on digital governance and cybersecurity, ensuring ethical tech adoption worldwide.
By positioning DCO as a global platform for digital dialogue, AlYahya has created a space where governments, businesses, and innovators can collaborate to shape the future of the digital economy.
Strategic Board Memberships: Shaping Policy and Innovation
AlYahya’s influence extends beyond her executive roles. She serves on multiple high-profile boards, where she contributes her expertise to shaping the future of AI, cybersecurity, and digital finance. Her board memberships include:
- Saudi National Bank (SNB) – Advising on fintech and digital banking innovations.
- Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) – Driving policies that protect digital assets and innovations.
- Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) – Ensuring responsible and ethical AI development.
- Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) – Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity and programming ecosystem.
These roles allow her to influence key policy decisions, mentor emerging tech leaders, and advocate for ethical digital transformation.
Thought Leadership: A Voice in Global Digital Policy
As a recognized thought leader in digital governance, AlYahya is a sought-after speaker at global tech conferences, policy summits, and industry forums. She has delivered keynote addresses and participated in high-impact discussions on:
- The role of AI in smart cities and sustainable development
- Cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly connected world
- The future of work in a digital-first global economy
- Digital inclusion and economic empowerment strategies
Her insights have been published in leading global publications, including:
- World Economic Forum (WEF) Reports – Highlighting best practices in digital transformation.
- Entrepreneur Middle East – Discussing women’s leadership in tech.
- Arabian Business – Providing perspectives on Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution.
By bridging the gap between policymakers and technology leaders, she ensures that digital strategies are both innovative and ethically responsible.
Looking Ahead: Deemah AlYahya’s Vision for the Future
As the global digital economy continues to evolve, Deemah AlYahya remains at the forefront of shaping its future. Her visionary leadership focuses on:
- Expanding cross-border digital collaborations to create a unified, inclusive digital economy.
- Bridging the global digital divide by ensuring access to affordable internet and technology.
- Encouraging responsible AI development to drive economic and social progress.
- Empowering young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to innovate and thrive.
Her ability to navigate the complexities of digital diplomacy, economic strategy, and technological advancement positions her as a key architect of the digital future.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion
Deemah AlYahya’s journey from a young computer science graduate to an international tech leader is a testament to her resilience, expertise, and vision. Through her leadership at the DCO, Women Spark, and various strategic boards, she continues to pioneer a future where technology is a force for global prosperity.
Her legacy will be defined by:
- Championing inclusivity in the digital economy.
- Driving transformative policies that benefit businesses and individuals alike.
- Creating a world where every nation has an equal opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
As she continues to shape the future of global technology, AlYahya stands as an inspiration to women, young entrepreneurs, and digital leaders worldwide. Her work will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the digital economy for generations to come
