In 2025, Saudi Arabia continued its rapid rise to the forefront of the telecommunications, space, and technology sectors, solidifying its position as a global digital superpower. This radical transformation was not a coincidence, but rather the culmination of years of dedicated work within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which established digital transformation as a cornerstone for diversifying income sources and building a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Leading global indicators: The fruits of strategic planning
In an achievement reflecting the maturity of its regulatory environment, the Kingdom ranked first globally in the 2025 ICT Development Index (IDI) issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and second in the Digital Regulatory Maturity Index. These figures are not mere statistics, but tangible proof of the efficiency of the digital infrastructure in which the country has invested billions of riyals, enabling it to maintain its ranking at the highest "leadership" level globally, and second among the G20 countries.
On the technical diplomacy front, Riyadh bolstered its international influence by hosting the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25), which saw a massive turnout of over 6,500 participants from 190 countries. This event was more than just a protocol gathering; it served as a platform through which the Kingdom shaped the future of global digital regulations, reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping sector policies internationally.
Space economy and innovation: new horizons
Not content with focusing solely on Earth, the Kingdom has also set its sights on space to bolster its space economy. The Communications and Space Technology Commission, in partnership with the Saudi Space Agency, launched the global "SpaceUp" competition, which successfully attracted $28 million in investments and contracting opportunities. Furthermore, the launch of the Earth Observation (EO) space platform represents a strategic step towards localizing space data, serving vital sectors such as urban planning, the environment, and agriculture, and enhancing the Kingdom's digital sovereignty.
Future Infrastructure: Leading the Sixth Generation (6G)
Looking to the future, the Kingdom has achieved a technological first in the Middle East and North Africa by successfully conducting the first trial of the 7 GHz frequency band, enabling 6G technology, in collaboration with major international and local companies. This step positions the Kingdom at the forefront of countries prepared to adopt ultra-fast communication technologies, paving the way for smart city applications, autonomous driving, and the Internet of Things with entirely new concepts.
Economic growth and digital sustainability
These achievements are directly reflected in the national economy, with the telecommunications and technology market expected to reach SAR 190 billion by the end of 2025, registering a growth rate of 5%. Alongside this growth, the Kingdom has not neglected sustainability, launching impactful initiatives for managing electronic waste, such as the "Recycle Your Device" initiative, which collected devices with a market value exceeding SAR 120 million. Furthermore, the Kingdom has collaborated with the International Telecommunication Union to launch a global guide to environmental and technological policies.
What Saudi Arabia has achieved in 2025 represents a global model for how to transform strategic visions into tangible reality, making it a major destination for technology investments and a regional center for digital innovation.
