Saudi Arabia tops global ICT Development Index, highlights digital economy gains

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia has claimed the number one position in the 2025 ICT Development Index released by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU), marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey.

The index, which assesses the progress of 164 economies in information and communications technology, evaluates two core areas: universal connectivity and effective connectivity. 

Saudi Arabia ranked highest globally in both dimensions, according to The Saudi Press Agency.

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) attributed this achievement to sustained national efforts aimed at advancing ICT capabilities and boosting global competitiveness. 

It said the Kingdom’s leadership continues to prioritize digital innovation as a cornerstone of its development strategy.

According to CST, Saudi Arabia’s digital economy reached SAR 459 billion ($122.4 billion) in 2024, contributing approximately 15% to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

The Commission emphasized that the country’s advanced digital infrastructure has been instrumental in driving this growth, supporting services across government, business, and consumer sectors.

In parallel, the Kingdom’s ICT market expanded to SAR 180 billion ($48 billion) in 2024, making it the largest and fastest-growing ICT market in the Middle East and North Africa. 

CST reported that mobile subscription rates reached 212% of the total population, while average monthly data usage per individual tripled the global average — underscoring the rapid digital adoption across society.

The CST reiterated that these achievements reflect the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology, connectivity, and innovation.