Saudi Arabia has secured the first position globally in the ICT Development Index (IDI) 2026, according to an official announcement by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) on July 1, 2026. This global ranking highlights the country’s rapid digital transformation and its ongoing efforts to build a strong digital economy.
Global Recognition in the ICT Development Index
The ICT Development Index is published annually by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to track the digital progress of 159 economies worldwide. Notably, the index evaluates countries based on their performance across two primary pillars, specifically universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity.
Pillars of Digital Progress
Under these pillars, the ITU measures how effectively nations provide full and impactful access to information and communications technology services. CST stated that Saudi Arabia’s top ranking is a direct result of strong performance in both areas, supported by cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, the regulatory framework has enabled a highly competitive environment that attracts investments. As a result, the digital infrastructure has been reinforced, allowing the country to maintain its leadership across multiple international indicators. This collaborative approach has accelerated the growth of the digital economy.
Market Expansion and Economic Impact
In addition to the ranking, the domestic market has shown significant financial growth. By the end of 2025, the Saudi telecommunications and technology market expanded to SAR 199 billion, representing an 8% compound annual growth rate over a five-year period. Consequently, this growth establishes the Kingdom as the largest and fastest-growing digital market in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Speeds
Furthermore, the country’s digital infrastructure supports this expansion with a 100% internet penetration rate among the population. Meanwhile, the median mobile internet download speed in the Kingdom has reached 216 megabits per second (Mbps), ensuring high-speed access for users. This speed is a key factor in the country’s high ranking.
The regulatory environment managed by CST continues to drive these advancements. Ultimately, maintaining its position at the forefront of the ICT Development Index demonstrates the country’s sustained leadership in global digital development indicators. This achievement reflects the ongoing support for the telecommunications sector.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
