Saudi Arabia ranks 2nd  on ICT Development Index

Saudi Arabia has secured the second position on the ICT Development Index (IDI) among G20 nations, according to the latest rankings released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The ITU Index assesses countries’ progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to information and communication technology. It measures infrastructure, affordability, skills, and usage.

The ITU noted that, “Based on a new methodology developed through an inclusive and iterative process, the 2023 ICT Development Index covers 169 economies and aims to assess the extent to which connectivity is universal and meaningful around the world.”

Saudi Arabia scored 94.9 points, advancing 10 spots over last year and reigning higher than the global average of 72.8, according to ITU’s Information and Communication Technology Development Index.

The US topped the Index with 96.6 points. Other G20 peers, which include the UK and Japan, were also placed below Saudi Arabia, as they secured 92.8 and 92 points, respectively.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said that the index highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its ICT infrastructure and services to boost economic growth and create opportunities. It rates the Saudi ICT market as the largest and the fastest growing in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“The IDI reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong ICT infrastructure and the affordable and reliable services, which directly contribute to the development of the national digital economy, attract investment, and increase the size of the Saudi ICT market,” the CITC said in the statement.

According to CITC, Saudi Arabia has 99 percent internet penetration, with total investments in the sector hitting SR93 billion ($24.79 billion) over the past six years.

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The ICT Development Index monitors the economies of 169 nations to measure their progress in ICT services through two main pillars: “universal connectivity” and “meaningful connectivity.”

In its report, ITU also evaluated factors such as providing a high-quality infrastructure and maintaining secure internet for everyone.

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has had an established digitization procedure called the National Strategy for Digital Transformation

It is currently in its final stage, the Smart Government Strategy, aiming to create a new seamless government experience for beneficiaries by 2024.