Saudi Arabia stands out as largest digital economy in MENA with a value of over SR495 billion
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia stood out as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), having made significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, digital government, and human capital development, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia's digital economy is valued at over SR495 billion, representing 15 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). This was revealed in a report published on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, observed annually on May 17.
The telecommunications and information technology market registered record growth of more than SR180 billion in 2024, driven by increased private sector investment and heightened innovation, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as the largest technology market in the Middle East.
These achievements have formed the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and investment in people and technology, solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global digital power. This reflects a significant shift in the national economic landscape and highlights the Kingdom’s success in accelerating income diversification through a smart economy.
In its pursuit of transitioning to the smart era, the Kingdom has invested over SR55 billion in AI technologies and data centers, establishing itself as a regional hub for future industries. By empowering digital human capabilities, Saudi Arabia has boosted its regional prominence as a major hub for digital talent, generating over 381,000 quality jobs in the technology sector.
In the field of digital governance, Saudi Arabia has made exceptional progress in United Nations indicators, ranking sixth globally in the E-Government Development Index. It also ranked fourth globally in the Digital Services Index, second among G20 countries, and first in the region. In sub-indicators, the Kingdom ranked first globally in digital skills and open digital government, and seventh worldwide in the E-Participation Index.
Latest Saudi Gazette
- Saudi Cabinet reaffirms expanding investment and trade ties with US, earmarking over $600 billionSaudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to expanding investment and trade relations with the United States with allocation of more than $600
- New Jazan emir, and deputy emirs of Jazan and Qassim take oath before King SalmanSaudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The newly appointed emir of Jazan and deputy emirs of Jazan and Qassim took their oath of office before Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at Al-Salam Palace
- NMC: Summer season to begin in Saudi Arabia on June 1Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The National Center of Meteorology (NMC) stated that Saudi Arabia is now 12 days away from the meteorological start of summer on June 1. This day will mark the beginning
- KSrelief and UNDP sign $5 million agreement to rehabilitate damaged bakeries in SyriaSaudi Gazette report BRUSSELS — The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) signed on Monday a $5 million joint project agreement with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- 20 people penalized for transporting unauthorized pilgrims to MakkahSaudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior announced that it has penalized 12 expatriates and eight Saudi citizens for violating Hajj regulations. The Hajj Security Forces stationed at the
- Museums Commission and Philharmonie de Paris sign agreement to boost cooperationSaudi Gazette reportRIYADH — The Saudi Museums Commission, in partnership with the Philharmonie de Paris in France, signed an executive program for cooperation in the fields of museums and music. This
