RIYADH: About 1,500 people attended Application Forum 1 in Riyadh, an event designed to encourage experts in the development and uses of electronic apps to get together and build upon Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in the increasingly important field. Ibrahim Al-Moatash, CEO of the Saudi Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, which organized the event at King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology, said: “Such forums come in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to empower young women and men in entrepreneurship, including leadership in tech, and especially electronic apps, which have contributed to changing the world’s economies, providing job opportunities and increasing states’ revenues.” The forum began with a symposium titled Government Apps for a Better Service, during which Abdulkarim Al-Sahimi, director of the support and customer service department and the marketing department (Absher), said that the Absher app has made life easier for people by providing access to several services in a simplified way. The application is continually being upgraded and updated to provide high-quality service and keep up with the needs of its users, he added. Al-Sahimi highlighted the efforts his departments make to be professional and objective while managing any crises, challenges and obstacles they face, noting the support from the public in this because, he said, people are aware of the app’s goals and benefits. Abdul Rahman Al-Hussein, a spokesman for the minister of commerce and investment, said that the ministry has kept pace with advances in apps and is constantly developing and improving the services it provides to meet aspirations, serve the public and increase satisfaction. Ziad Al-Yousef, the general manager of payment systems at Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, noted the growing global importance of apps in carrying out financial transactions, which is significantly reducing the reliance on cash. The Kingdom is keeping up with financial-technology developments, he noted, but added that people need more education and greater awareness about the technology to ensure they feel confident about using it and are reassured that its development and growth is in their best interests.