Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in ITU’s ICT Development Index 2026

Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI) 2026, leading 159 economies assessed for digital development and the availability of information and communications technology (ICT) services.

The index evaluates countries across two key pillars, universal connectivity and meaningful connectivity, to measure access to and effective use of digital technologies.

According to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Arabia’s top ranking reflects its strong performance across both pillars, underpinned by continued investment in digital infrastructure, public-private sector collaboration, and sustained government support for the ICT industry.

The CST said the Kingdom’s performance highlights the strength of its digital infrastructure and regulatory environment, which continue to support the expansion of the digital economy.

By the end of 2025, Saudi Arabia’s ICT market had reached $53 billion, recording a compound annual growth rate of 8% over the past five years and making it the largest and fastest-growing ICT market in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the CST.

The Kingdom also reported 100% internet penetration and a median mobile download speed of 216 Mbps.

The Commission said the latest ranking reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital transformation efforts and its ambition to strengthen its position as a global leader in ICT development.