Saudi Arabia’s Digital Public Diplomacy Strategies From the Perspective of Saudi Diplomats: A Field Study

Abstract This study aimed to explore the digital public diplomacy strategies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the perspective of Saudi diplomats. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and used a questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 115 Saudi diplomats. The results showed an increasing awareness of the importance of digital diplomacy in enhancing the Kingdom’s image and achieving its foreign policy objectives, with varying levels of use and effectiveness across different social media platforms. The X platform (formerly Twitter) emerged as a preferred tool in Saudi digital diplomatic practice. The study also revealed challenges related to digital infrastructure and human resources and emphasized the need for integration between traditional and digital methods in diplomatic work. The findings indicated a significant opportunity to benefit from successful international experiences in digital diplomacy while considering the cultural and political specificity of the Kingdom. The study concluded with several recommendations, most notably developing a comprehensive digital diplomacy strategy, intensifying training programs for diplomats in digital technology and social media, enhancing digital infrastructure, conducting periodic studies to evaluate the effectiveness of digital strategies and their impact on the Kingdom’s image, and encouraging knowledge and expertise exchange with leading countries in this field. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in digital diplomacy as a strategic necessity for the Kingdom, considering rapid technological developments and shifts in the global diplomatic landscape.