Saudi Arabia Ranks 1st Globally in ICT Development Index

Saudi Arabia has secured first place globally in the ICT Development Index (IDI), leading all measured countries in overall information and communications technology development for both 2025 and 2026. The achievement highlights the Kingdom's rapid progress in digital infrastructure and connectivity.

The ICT Development Index is a global measure that assesses digital development across countries using two main pillars: universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity. In 2025, the Kingdom recorded a near-perfect score of around 99 to 100 out of 100, placing it at the top of 164 countries. In 2026, it maintained the top position for the second consecutive year with a score of about 99.8 out of 100, leading roughly 159 countries.

The strong result builds on steady gains in recent years. In 2023, Saudi Arabia ranked second among G20 countries in the index. In 2024, it again placed second among G20 nations overall, while ranking first in meaningful connectivity and second in universal connectivity.

Why it matters

For residents and businesses alike, the ranking reflects the quality and reach of the Kingdom's digital networks, from mobile and broadband coverage to the everyday reliability of online services. Faster, more widely available connectivity supports remote work, e-commerce, digital government platforms, and daily communication for both citizens and expats.

It is worth noting that the ICT Development Index is a statistical, comparative measurement calculated using national data — not a service that individuals or companies apply for or pay to maintain. There are no fees, application steps, or validity periods tied to the ranking itself. It simply reflects the country's performance in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and technology usage.

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