Saudi Arabia tops global in ICT Development Index 2025

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's flag

Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the ICT Development Index (IDI) 2025, issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The index tracks the digital progress of 164 economies and their advancement in ICT services through a number of sub-indicators divided into two main pillars: comprehensive and effective connectivity.

The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) indicated that Saudi Arabia's top ranking reflects the ongoing and sustainable development of its telecommunications and technology sector, as well as continued national efforts to strengthen and enhance its global competitiveness.

It also emphasized that the Kingdom's smart digital infrastructure is one of the key enablers of its digital economy’s growth, helping attract investment to the local market and increasing its contribution to GDP.

In 2024, the digital economy in Saudi Arabia reached SAR 495 billion, accounting for 15% of GDP. Additionally, the telecommunications and technology market in Saudi Arabia is the largest and fastest-growing in the MENA region, with a projected market size of SAR 180 billion in 2024.

The mobile telecommunications subscription penetration rate has reached 212% of the population, and the monthly data consumption per individual in the Kingdom exceeds the global average by threefold.