Al-Ohali Named Governor of Saudi CST Regulator

Saudi Arabia has appointed Eng. Haytham bin Abdulrahman Al-Ohali as Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) at the excellent rank, under Royal Order O/269 dated 24 Sha’ban 1447 (12 February 2026). The move places a seasoned technology official at the head of the Kingdom's converged regulator for telecoms, space, technology and digital infrastructure.

The appointment forms part of a wider set of royal orders in 2026 reshuffling senior officials across several sectors, including technology. Al-Ohali has served as Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology at the excellent rank since 2018, bringing experience in public–private digital transformation and 5G rollout initiatives to his new post.

As Governor, Al-Ohali becomes the top executive responsible for implementing the Commission's regulatory policies and overseeing digital infrastructure projects, working under CST's Board of Directors as the highest governing authority. The Commission's mandate covers regulating telecommunications and digital infrastructure, managing the radio frequency spectrum, licensing technology and digital content platforms, and leading the national digital regulatory agenda, including frameworks for emerging technologies.

For residents and businesses, CST continues to oversee nationwide 5G deployment, satellite and non-terrestrial connectivity pilot projects, and broader efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a regional digital hub — priorities that shape everyday connectivity and internet services across the Kingdom.

Regulatory and licensing matters with CST are handled through the Commission's own electronic channels and portal. No new fees, application steps, validity periods or service workflows have been published in connection with this appointment; existing telecom and technology regulatory frameworks and processes continue as before.

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