Why Saudi Arabia Continues to Dominate Global ICT Rankings in 2026

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has retained the top global ranking in the 2026 Information and Communication Technology Development Index with a score of 99.8 out of 100, according to the International Telecommunication Union, which measures digital development across 159 economies.

The Kingdom ranked first globally for the second consecutive year, driven by continued investment in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and public-private partnerships. Saudi Arabia scored a full 100 for universal connectivity and 99.6 for meaningful connectivity — the two pillars used to calculate the index.

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission said the ranking confirms the development taking place in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and regulatory environment, contributing to its international leadership and the growth of its digital economy.

Saudi Arabia led Gulf Cooperation Council countries, ahead of the UAE at 98.8, Qatar and Kuwait at 98.4 each, Bahrain at 98, and Oman at 91.6. The six GCC countries recorded an average score of 97.5, well above the Arab States regional average of 78.

The value of the Kingdom’s telecommunications and technology market reached SR199 billion ($53.1 billion) by the end of 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent over the previous five years. Internet usage reached 100 percent, while the median mobile Internet speed rose to 216 megabits per second.

The ranking underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation under Vision 2030, with the Kingdom investing heavily in next-generation telecommunications networks, cloud computing, and emerging technologies to diversify its economy beyond oil.

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