RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has secured the top global ranking in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI) 2026, underscoring the Kingdom’s rapid digital transformation and leadership in information and communications technology.
The ICT Development Index evaluates the digital progress of 159 economies based on two key pillars: universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
According to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Arabia’s first-place ranking reflects its strong performance across both pillars.
The commission attributed the achievement to the Kingdom’s continued investment in digital infrastructure, sustained government support for the ICT sector, and close collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
CST said the ranking highlights Saudi Arabia’s advanced digital ecosystem and effective regulatory framework, which continue to drive the growth of the Kingdom’s digital economy and strengthen its position across global ICT indicators.
By the end of 2025, Saudi Arabia’s ICT market had grown to SAR199 billion, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% over the past five years. The Kingdom remains the largest and fastest-growing ICT market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The country also achieved a 100% internet penetration rate, while median mobile internet download speeds reached 216 Mbps, reflecting the strength and accessibility of its digital infrastructure.
The latest ITU ranking reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in digital development and highlights the continued momentum of its digital transformation agenda.
