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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, launched the digital “New Muslim” card service on July 27 as part of efforts to expand e-government offerings, the Saudi Gazette reported. The platform automates every stage from application submission to final approval, allowing individuals embracing Islam to complete the process without in-person requirements. Integration with national digital systems ensures the card appears instantly in users’ accounts once approved.
The ministry said the service connects directly to the Tawakkalna app, where the card becomes available immediately after approval through coordination with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. Each card features a QR code that authorities can scan to verify its authenticity and confirm official issuance by the ministry. This electronic format simplifies access while maintaining strict controls on issuance and record accuracy.
According to the ministry’s announcement, the project also focuses on improving data quality to support the generation of precise reports and statistics. Such data enhancements are intended to inform better planning and decision-making within the ministry’s dawah and guidance activities. The Saudi Gazette noted that the initiative reflects ongoing work to modernize services related to religious affairs.
Tawakkalna added 160 new services in June 2026 through partnerships with 40 public, private and non-profit entities, the Saudi Gazette reported on July 4. The application, which began as a pandemic response tool, has since developed into a central platform for a wide array of government transactions and verifications. This latest addition of the New Muslim card extends that pattern of continuous service growth.
A United States International Trade Administration guide published in May 2026 placed Saudi investment in digital infrastructure above $27 billion over the preceding six years. The Digital Government Strategy, aligned with Vision 2030, seeks to raise efficiency, transparency and accessibility across public services while lowering operational costs. These investments have supported smart city projects and broader e-government modernization.
The Digital Government Authority has stated that Saudi Arabia ranked fourth worldwide in digital services and first in the region according to the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index. Continued rollout of specialized services such as the new card builds on that standing by addressing specific user groups within the population. The authority’s policies emphasize seamless integration across platforms to reduce administrative friction for both residents and government bodies.
