99.6% of Saudi Arabia's population are connected to the internet

Amid the rapid technological advancements in the world and the Arab region, the internet in Saudi Arabia is no longer merely a means to access information or engage in social communication; it has evolved into a critical infrastructure underpinning the digital economy, government services, education, healthcare, and entertainment. The “Saudi Internet 2025” report, issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), clearly highlights this transformation, revealing that internet penetration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reached 99.6%, while average monthly data consumption per user stands at approximately 53 gigabytes. These indicators place Saudi Arabia among the most connected countries globally.

These figures do not merely reflect an expansion in network usage; they signal Saudi Arabia’s transition to a new phase of the digital economy, where the importance of cloud services, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), remote work, and e-commerce is growing—all of which rely on fast and stable network connectivity. According to the report, as cited by Al Jazeera, internet penetration has reached 99.6% of the population, a rate nearing full coverage and reflecting the success of government investments in developing digital infrastructure and expanding fixed and mobile telecommunications networks.

The report also noted that average monthly data consumption per user has reached 53 gigabytes, a figure that underscores a clear shift in usage patterns. High-definition video applications, live streaming, online gaming platforms, video conferencing, and cloud services have become integral to users’ daily activities. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission explained that the report periodically monitors internet usage indicators in the Kingdom to support policymakers and investors, and to measure the progress of the digital economy in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Telecommunications experts observe that the rise in average data consumption is no longer tied solely to smartphone usage; rather, it reflects users’ transition to an integrated digital environment.