The Saudi digital economy reached a valuation of SAR 522 billion following cumulative growth exceeding 75 percent since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, according to وكالة الأنباء السعودية.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha presented the figures during a government press conference organized by the Ministry of Media at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. The briefing coincided with the launch of the LEAP 2026 technology conference, with Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary and Digital Government Authority Governor Ahmed Alsuwaiyan in attendance.
Expansion of the Saudi digital economy
Alswaha noted that the market expanded from under SAR 300 billion at baseline to SAR 522 billion, recording an annual growth rate between 6 percent and 7 percent. Consequently, digital activities now represent 16 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, while the overall communications and information technology market crossed SAR 199 billion.
“The days of developing five to ten-year technology plans are behind us; we are operating in an accelerated era that demands rapid, flexible mechanisms.”
Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology
Growth in Tech Employment and Regional Unicorns
Specialized employment across the technology sector increased from 150,000 baseline roles to more than 410,000 positions in 2026. In addition, the Kingdom hosts nine billion-dollar technology companies, representing approximately half of all unicorn firms in the Middle East.
The Minister also highlighted progress in national artificial intelligence adoption, noting that national talent, regulatory frameworks, and enterprise investments are turning local technical concepts into commercial software products competing in international markets.
Infrastructure Gains and Service Access Reductions
Significant improvements occurred across nationwide telecommunications networks through coordinated work with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission. Specifically, the telecommunications service access gap dropped from a 50 percent baseline to 1 percent, while the service quality gap decreased from 15 percent to 5 percent.
Network quality enhancements continue in regional areas including Al Baha, Asir, and Taif, with dedicated technical focus on tourism destinations experiencing peak seasonal capacity demands.
Global Standing in Digital Government Performance
Saudi Arabia maintained second place globally in the World Bank GovTech Maturity Index for 2025. Furthermore, the Kingdom advanced in the 2026 Digital Experience Maturity Index across public sector entities, utilizing automated tools to deliver direct citizen services.
