In the latest International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranking, Saudi Arabia has secured an impressive second position among G20 nations in the 2023 ICT Development Index. This positions the country as a burgeoning technology hub with the potential to attract foreign tech talent.
Scoring 94.9 points, Saudi Arabia has leaped 10 positions from the previous year, surpassing the global average of 72.8. The United States secured the top spot in the G20 ICT Development Index with a score of 96.6. Notably, Saudi Arabia outperformed other G20 nations, including the UK and Japan, which scored 92.8 and 92 points, respectively.
The ICT Development Index assesses the progress of 169 economies, focusing on two crucial pillars: “universal connectivity” and “meaningful connectivity.” Factors considered include the provision of high-quality infrastructure and ensuring secure internet access for all.
In response to the ranking, the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its ICT infrastructure and services. This dedication aims to drive economic growth and create opportunities. The report underscores the Saudi ICT market as the largest and most rapidly expanding in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The statement from the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strong ICT infrastructure, affordable and reliable services, and their direct contribution to the development of the national digital economy. This, in turn, attracts investment and expands the size of the Saudi ICT market.
CITC noted the steady advancement of the ICT sector in Saudi Arabia in alignment with the goals outlined in Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a technology hub. The report also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s impressive 99% internet penetration rate, with cumulative investments in the sector reaching SR93 billion ($24.79 billion) over the past six years. Since 2016, the country has been implementing a well-established digitization initiative known as the National Strategy for Digital Transformation.
