Saudi Arabia Ranks First Globally in ICT Index

Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the ICT Development Index in the 2026 digital and space sustainability report, achieving a score of 99.8 out of 100 among 159 economies assessed worldwide. The result places the Kingdom at the top of a global ranking measuring digital progress.

Saudi Arabia leads on both universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity, reflecting the reach and quality of digital access across the country. Internet penetration reached 99.6% in 2025, while fiber-optic coverage extended to more than 3.9 million homes.

The findings also point to the growing weight of the digital economy, which contributed 15% of GDP in 2024, equal to SAR 459 billion. The report noted that women's participation in the digital sector reached 35%, underscoring wider engagement in technology fields.

Why it matters

For residents and businesses across the Kingdom, stronger connectivity translates into faster, more reliable access to online services, remote work, e-commerce and government platforms used in daily life. High internet penetration and expanding fiber coverage support the wider push toward a fully digital society.

Looking ahead, the report projects that Saudi Arabia's space economy will reach SAR 118.5 billion by 2035, signalling long-term investment in advanced technology sectors and new opportunities linked to the Kingdom's digital and space ambitions.

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