Saudi Arabia ranks 1st globally in 2026 ICT Development Index

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's flag

Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the 2026 ICT Development Index (IDI) issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The index evaluates the digital development of 159 economies through a range of indicators grouped under two main pillars, namely universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity.

The Kingdom's top ranking was driven by its strong performance across both pillars, underscoring the continued development of Saudi Arabia's telecommunications and technology sector, supported by sustained leadership backing and world-class digital infrastructure, said the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).

This achievement reinforces Saudi Arabia's global leadership in digital transformation and reflects continued advances in its telecommunications infrastructure and regulatory environment, which have accelerated the growth of the Kingdom's digital economy, it added.

The commission also noted that the Saudi communications and technology market reached SAR 199 billion by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 8% over the past five years, making it the largest and fastest-growing market in MENA.

Internet usage and mobile phone penetration both reached 100% in the Kingdom, while median fixed broadband speeds climbed to 151 Mbps and median mobile internet speeds reached 216 Mbps.