Al-Ohali Named Governor of CST in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has appointed Haytham Abdulrahman Al-Ohali as Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) at the "excellent" rank. The appointment was made by a Royal Order dated 24 Sha'ban 1447, corresponding to 12 February 2026, and published in the Official Gazette Umm Al-Qura, issue number 5144, dated 13 February 2026.

Al-Ohali takes up the role after serving as Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology, a position he had held since June 2018. In his new capacity, he leads the national regulatory authority responsible for the communications, space and technology sectors, including telecoms, digital infrastructure, and satellite and non-terrestrial connectivity regulation across the Kingdom.

CST is headquartered in Riyadh. As Governor, Al-Ohali also chairs Saudi delegations at international telecommunications bodies, including council sessions held abroad. The Royal Order sets his appointment at the excellent grade, in line with Saudi practice for heads of major independent commissions, and states no specific term limit or expiry date.

For residents and businesses, CST's regulatory and sector-related services continue to be delivered through the commission's official electronic channels and the national government services portal. No change to permits, licenses, validity periods, or user fees is linked to this appointment; the commission's usual digital licensing framework remains in effect.

The leadership change comes as the Kingdom continues to expand its digital infrastructure and space and technology ambitions under its broader development goals.

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