ITU ranks Kingdom first in global digital development.
Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the 2026 ICT Development Index (IDI) published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), placing the Kingdom at the top among 159 economies assessed for digital development.
The IDI measures countries’ progress in information and communication technology (ICT) through indicators grouped under two pillars: universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity. These indicators evaluate factors such as internet access, broadband services, digital usage, and the quality of telecommunications infrastructure.
According to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Arabia’s top ranking was driven by strong performance across both pillars, reflecting continued progress in the Kingdom’s telecommunications and technology sector. The commission attributed the result to ongoing support for digital transformation, advanced digital infrastructure, and an evolving regulatory environment.
CST reported that Saudi Arabia’s communications and technology market reached SAR199 billion by the end of 2025, recording a compound annual growth rate of 8% over the past five years. The commission also noted that internet usage and mobile phone penetration had both reached 100%, while median fixed broadband speeds increased to 151 Mbps and median mobile internet speeds reached 216 Mbps.
The latest ITU ranking follows a series of international recognitions for Saudi Arabia’s digital sector and reflects the Kingdom’s continued implementation of initiatives under Vision 2030. According to CST, the achievement underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand connectivity, and support the continued development of the ICT sector.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
