April 27, 2025
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable achievements in the fields of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, data centers, and digital government, as part of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, strengthening its position as a regional and global digital power.
Saudi Vision 2030 Targets
According to the Saudi Vision 2030 report, the size of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia has reached approximately $495 billion, contributing 15% of the GDP, clearly reflecting the sector’s rapid growth.
The Rise of the Information and Communications Technology Market
Furthermore, the ICT market has continued its momentum, exceeding $180 billion by 2024, driven by expanding private sector investment and a growing culture of innovation, cementing its position as the largest technology market in the region.
Open Data
In the field of open data centers, the Kingdom recorded a 42% increase in capacity during 2023, reaching 290.5 megawatts, enhancing the readiness of its digital infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for cloud services and smart applications.
Expanding Internet Penetration
Fiber optic network coverage has expanded to more than 3.9 million homes, while internet penetration across the Kingdom has risen to nearly 99%, placing Saudi Arabia among the most connected countries in the world.
Human Capital Development
In terms of human capital development, Saudi Arabia has strengthened its position as the largest pool of digital talent in the region, creating more than 381,000 quality jobs in the technology sector. This progress has significantly increased women’s participation in the technology sector from 7% in 2018 to 35% today, the highest rate in the Middle East and North Africa, exceeding the average of both the G20 and the European Union—reflecting the depth of the Kingdom’s transformation in empowering national capabilities in the digital economy.
Digital Government
In terms of digital government, Saudi Arabia has achieved a distinguished global presence, ranking sixth globally in the UN E-Government Development Index, approaching the Vision 2030 goal of reaching fifth place. The Kingdom also ranked fourth globally in the Digital Services Index, second among G20 countries, and first regionally.
Furthermore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in digital skills and open digital government, and seventh globally in the e-Participation Index, reflecting remarkable success in enhancing the efficiency of government services and promoting transparency.
Unlimited Support
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, emphasized that these achievements reflect the unlimited support the technology and digital sectors have received from the wise leadership, and are a direct result of the empowerment and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He added: “These exceptional developments would not have been possible without the support of our wise leadership, our ambitious vision, and our firm belief in the capabilities of our nation and its people. We are confidently moving forward towards consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a leading digital power in the smart age, contributing to shaping the future of current and future generations.” These figures and indicators are clear evidence of the vision’s success in creating a real and sustainable impact, enhancing the Kingdom’s economic competitiveness, and placing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the digital economy regionally and globally.
