Digital sustainability as an emerging paradigm: Insights from the Saudi Arabian experience and global implications

The rapid acceleration of digital transformation in the 21st century presents a dual-edged sword for global sustainability efforts. While digital technologies can significantly advance progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), their unchecked proliferation can also exacerbate environmental degradation, social inequities, and governance issues. This study, examines how a nation can strategically align digital transformation with sustainability objectives through the lens of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, thereby offering a model for other countries navigating similar transitions. Employing a structured narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed research, policy frameworks, official statistics, and institutional reporting, this review evaluates Saudi Arabia’s five-pillar approach: technological resilience, environmental stewardship, social inclusivity, economic diversification, and regulatory agility. Saudi Arabia’s initiatives, such as NEOM, a 500 billion futuristic city powered entirely by renewable energy, exemplify the integration of digital innovation with sustainable urban design, aiming to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. Key findings reveal transformative initiatives, such as renewable-powered hyperscale data centers, AI-driven precision agriculture reducing water use by 50 %, and inclusive platforms bridging healthcare and education gaps for marginalized communities. These efforts have positioned Saudi Arabia as a regional digital sustainability leader, with its digital economy contributing 15. 6 % to GDP and women’s workforce participation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tripling since 2018. However, the Kingdom’s experience also underscores systemic barriers, including regulatory fragmentation, legacy infrastructure, and cultural resistance that must be addressed to ensure long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. The study advocates for a paradigm shift toward digital sustainability, wherein technological innovation is measured not only by efficiency gains but by its capacity to regenerate ecosystems and empower societies. Achieving this shift requires a holistic approach that integrates sustainability principles into every facet of digital strategy, from ethical design and data governance to workforce development and collaborative policymaking. By situating Saudi Arabia’s journey in a comparative global context, this study contributes to the theoretical foundations of digital sustainability and provides actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars aiming to harness digital transformation as a force for sustainable development.