In a significant advancement, Saudi Arabia has ascended 10 places to secure the second position among the G20 nations in the latest rankings of the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index (IDI) for 2023. This index evaluates the progress of 169 economies in information and communication technology (ICT) services. It is based on two foundational components: ‘universal connectivity’ and ‘meaningful connectivity.’ Additionally, it assesses critical aspects such as the provision of high-quality infrastructure and ensuring a safe and secure internet for all users.
The notable rise in the IDI underscores Saudi Arabia’s robust ICT infrastructure and the provision of affordable and reliable services, which are instrumental in nurturing the country’s digital economy. This achievement not only attracts investments but also contributes to the expansion of the Saudi ICT market. The index further illuminates Saudi Arabia’s dedicated efforts to enhance its ICT infrastructure and services, thereby stimulating economic growth and opening new opportunities. This has established the Saudi ICT market as the most substantial and swiftly expanding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It is a testament to the country’s developed digital infrastructure, which boasts an impressive internet penetration rate increase of 99%.
The advancements in ICT also align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which aim for international leadership in digital growth. The nation has invested over 93 billion SAR in digital infrastructure over the past six years, a strategic move that has positioned Saudi Arabia favorably in global indicators.
The ICT Development Index, which has been published by the ITU since 2009, serves as a benchmark for monitoring the progress of the ICT sector. It offers a comprehensive and transparent set of data and methodologies contributed by Member States and experts in the field.