Faris Alribdi: Advancing Digital Trust and Regulatory Excellence for Saudi Arabia

As nations accelerate digital transformation, the need for effective governance, balanced regulation, and trusted digital ecosystems has never been greater. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a regional leader in this transformation, driven by ambitious national strategies and forward-looking institutions. Among the executives contributing to this journey is Faris Alribdi, Vice Governor of Regulation and Digital Trust at the Digital Government Authority (DGA), whose leadership continues to strengthen the Kingdom’s digital governance landscape.

With a career spanning telecommunications regulation, compliance, public policy, and digital governance, Faris has consistently focused on creating regulatory environments that encourage innovation while protecting public trust.

Driving Digital Trust Across Government

As Vice Governor of Regulation and Digital Trust at the Digital Government Authority, Faris Alribdi plays a central role in advancing regulatory frameworks that support secure, transparent, and efficient digital government services across Saudi Arabia.

Alongside this role, he also serves as the Acting Vice Governor of Strategy and Partnerships, contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthen collaboration across government entities while supporting national digital transformation priorities.

His leadership supports the development of governance models that help public institutions embrace digital innovation without compromising security, compliance, or citizen confidence.

Rather than viewing regulation as a constraint, Faris promotes it as an enabler of sustainable digital growth, responsible innovation, and long-term institutional resilience.

“Digital trust is built when innovation is supported by strong governance, clear regulation, and public confidence.”

A Career Built on Regulatory Leadership

Faris has spent nearly two decades building expertise across Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications and regulatory sectors.

Before joining the Digital Government Authority, he held several senior leadership positions at Zain KSA, where he progressed through multiple executive roles in Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, ultimately serving as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Compliance. During this period, he helped strengthen regulatory alignment while supporting the company’s strategic business objectives within Saudi Arabia’s evolving telecommunications landscape.

Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Saudi Telecom Company (STC), overseeing regulatory relations and strengthening collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities.

His professional journey also includes serving as an Executive Manager of Regulatory Compliance at Mobily, where he further expanded his expertise in regulatory policy and compliance management.

He began his regulatory career at the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) as a Regulation Researcher, gaining firsthand experience in policy development and regulatory analysis that would later become the foundation of his executive leadership.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Digital Future

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places digital transformation at the center of national development, requiring modern governance systems capable of supporting emerging technologies, digital services, and public-sector innovation.

Through his work at the Digital Government Authority, Faris contributes to this vision by supporting regulatory excellence, digital trust initiatives, and governance frameworks that enable government entities to deliver more secure, efficient, and citizen-focused digital services.

His work reflects the growing importance of balancing innovation with accountability—ensuring that digital transformation remains sustainable, resilient, and aligned with international best practices.

“Strong digital ecosystems are built not only through technology, but through governance that inspires confidence and enables innovation.”

Leadership Through Collaboration

Throughout his career, Faris has demonstrated an ability to bridge the priorities of regulators, government institutions, and industry stakeholders.

His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, strategic thinking, and practical implementation—qualities that are increasingly essential as governments navigate complex digital ecosystems and evolving regulatory requirements.

By combining regulatory expertise with strategic vision, he continues to support initiatives that enhance institutional performance while reinforcing trust across the digital economy.

Building the Foundations of Digital Governance

As governments worldwide embrace artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital identity, cybersecurity, and connected public services, regulatory leadership becomes increasingly important.

Faris Alribdi’s experience across telecommunications, compliance, digital regulation, and public-sector governance positions him among the executives contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital evolution.

His work continues to reinforce the foundations of trusted digital government while supporting policies that encourage innovation, transparency, and long-term national competitiveness.

Recognition by Arab CEOs

Arab CEOs proudly recognizes Faris Alribdi for his contributions to digital governance, regulatory leadership, and the advancement of trusted digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.

Through his leadership at the Digital Government Authority and his extensive experience across the telecommunications sector, he continues to demonstrate how effective regulation, strategic governance, and collaborative leadership can accelerate national digital progress while strengthening public trust and institutional excellence.