RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has claimed the global top rank in digital development, emerging as the world’s leading performer in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI) 2026, as the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 transformation.
The achievement comes alongside strong foreign investment inflows, advances in technology-driven public services and significant progress in infrastructure, sustainability and economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia reported a series of major economic and technological milestones in the opening weeks of July 2026, highlighting the Kingdom’s continued efforts to strengthen its global competitiveness.
The developments span digital infrastructure, foreign investment, logistics, environmental sustainability and public services, reflecting Riyadh’s strategy to build a diversified, technology-driven economy.
The Kingdom’s top position in the ITU’s ICT Development Index highlights the rapid expansion of its digital ecosystem. Official figures show that internet penetration has reached 100 per cent, while the domestic information and communications technology (ICT) market has expanded to SAR199 billion, supported by an annual growth rate of around eight per cent.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Arabia also received international recognition at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, securing one award and five certificates of excellence for innovative digital projects.
Among the initiatives recognised were Qassim University’s “QSpark” artificial intelligence learning platform and the National Open Data Platform, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global hub for digital innovation.
The healthcare sector has also gained international recognition, receiving eight global accreditations and 52 international awards since the beginning of 2026, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernise healthcare services and improve quality standards.
Investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy has remained strong. According to the Saudi Venture Capital Company, foreign private capital investment reached SAR20 billion (approximately $5.3 billion) in 2025, accounting for 60 per cent of total private capital invested in Saudi private markets.
The report noted that the number of international financial institutions participating in Saudi private markets increased from 28 in 2019 to 148, reflecting growing global interest following regulatory and economic reforms aimed at improving the investment environment.
Adding to the positive economic outlook, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s sovereign credit rating at ‘A+’ with a Stable Outlook, citing the Kingdom’s strong fiscal position, substantial financial reserves and resilience of its non-oil economy.
Saudi Arabia has also continued to strengthen its logistics and food security infrastructure. The National Grain Supply Company (SABIL) successfully unloaded its first 66,000-tonne wheat shipment at the Port of NEOM, aimed at improving grain supplies to the Kingdom’s northern regions.
In the energy sector, the Saudi Power Procurement Company launched the qualification process for the third round of conventional Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects under a build-own-operate model.
The projects are expected to incorporate carbon management technologies and natural gas displacement measures in support of the Kingdom’s emissions reduction strategy.
The Kingdom also reported progress across several social and environmental initiatives. The Tawakkalna digital application integrated 160 new government services in June alone, expanding access to public services through a unified digital platform.
Saudi Arabia’s volunteer sector continued to grow, with more than 1.7 million registered volunteers contributing over 80 million volunteer hours nationwide.
Agriculture and environmental sustainability remained key priorities. The Tabuk region now hosts approximately 1.48 million almond trees, alongside 1.5 million grapevines and 1.3 million olive trees, while the Saudi Reef Programme invested SAR70 million to complete 11 beekeeping and honey production projects.
The Kingdom also launched a SAR600 million smart greenhouse project in Jazan, which is expected to reduce agricultural water consumption by 75 per cent, supporting national water conservation efforts.
Officials further reported a 99 per cent reduction in sand and dust storm occurrences across Riyadh, Qassim and the Eastern Province during June compared with historical averages, attributing the improvement to ongoing environmental initiatives.
Researchers from King Saud University documented nine rare migratory bird species for the first time in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, highlighting progress in biodiversity conservation.
Saudi Arabia also expanded its international economic partnerships. During the latest Saudi Arabia–Canada Investment Forum in Jeddah, government entities and private sector organisations from both countries signed 15 memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements covering investment and commercial collaboration.
Separately, the Saudi Fund for Development confirmed that it has committed $422.7 million in development loans to Sri Lanka across 12 projects since 1981. Meanwhile, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen delivered 7,500 tonnes of diesel fuel derivatives to the Socotra Archipelago to ensure uninterrupted electricity supplies ahead of the monsoon season.
Saudi officials said the latest achievements demonstrate continued progress in implementing Vision 2030 through investments in digital transformation, economic diversification, sustainability and international partnerships, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as an increasingly influential regional and global economic hub.
