Digital Adoption in Saudi Arabia
100% internet penetration · EGDI rank 6 of 193
This profile brings together internet use, financial inclusion and UN e-government indicators for Saudi Arabia, with source years shown alongside each figure.
Internet and Connectivity
Saudi Arabia's access indicators are close to saturation. ITU data show 100% internet use in 2024, 181 active mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 people, and 84% population coverage by 5G. Mobile cellular subscriptions were also far above one per person, reflecting multiple active lines and connected devices rather than unique users. Fixed broadband density, at 44.1 subscriptions per 100 people, is also high by international standards.
| Connectivity indicator | Saudi Arabia | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals using the internet | 100% | 2024 |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions, per 100 people | 159.5 | 2024 |
| Active mobile broadband subscriptions, per 100 people | 181 | 2024 |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions, per 100 people | 44.1 | 2024 |
The two mobile indicators measure different things. Mobile cellular subscriptions include active voice and data lines, while active mobile broadband counts subscriptions that provide broadband internet access. Both can exceed 100 because one person can hold multiple subscriptions.
Digital Payments
Financial-inclusion indicators are shown separately from connectivity measures because they describe account ownership or payment use.
| Payments and financial inclusion | Saudi Arabia | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Adults with a financial account | 78.8% | 2024 |
| Made or received a digital payment | 75.7% | 2024 |
Digital Government
Saudi Arabia's digital-government performance is exceptional. Its Online Service Index and Telecommunications Infrastructure Index are both close to the maximum score, while human capital is the lowest of the three components. Even that relative weak point remains high, and the combined result placed the country sixth globally in 2024.
| UN E-Government Development Index | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| EGDI score | 0.9602 |
| Global rank (of 193 UN member states) | 6 |
| Online Service Index | 0.9899 |
| Telecommunication Infrastructure Index | 0.9841 |
| Human Capital Index | 0.9067 |
Saudi Arabia vs. Region and World
Saudi Arabia's EGDI score of 0.9602 sits far above both the Asian average of 0.6990 and the world average of 0.6382. This is not simply a connectivity advantage: the country also scores extremely highly on online public-service delivery.
| Indicator | Saudi Arabia | Asia | World |
|---|---|---|---|
| UN EGDI, 2024 | 0.9602 | 0.6990 | 0.6382 |
Key Takeaways
- Internet use was reported at 100% in 2024, with very high mobile and fixed-broadband subscription density.
- Saudi Arabia ranked 6th of 193 UN member states for e-government development in 2024.
- Digital-payment use at 75.7% is close to the 78.8% account-ownership rate, indicating high usage among people who are financially included.
- Human capital is the lowest of Saudi Arabia's three EGDI components, despite still scoring above 0.90.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Saudi Arabia's population uses the internet?
ITU reports 100% internet use in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Why are Saudi Arabia's mobile-broadband subscriptions above 100 per 100 people?
Because the indicator counts active subscriptions rather than unique individuals. People can hold more than one mobile-broadband subscription or use multiple connected devices.
What is Saudi Arabia's UN E-Government Development Index rank?
Saudi Arabia ranked 6th of 193 UN member states in 2024, with an EGDI score of 0.9602.
How common are digital payments in Saudi Arabia?
Global Findex reports that 75.7% of adults made or received a digital payment in 2024.
Sources & methodology
Sources for the indicators and definitions shown above.
View sources used for this page
Internet use, mobile cellular subscriptions, and fixed broadband. World Bank World Development Indicators republishes ITU telecom series.
Active mobile broadband and selected country connectivity indicators. Values are shown with their individual source years.
Account ownership and digital payment usage. Findex is survey-based, and not every indicator is available for every economy in every survey round.
EGDI score, global rank, component indices, and regional/world averages, covering all 193 UN member states.
Percentages are generally shown to one decimal place and index scores to four decimal places. Each indicator keeps its own latest verified year. Missing or non-comparable values are not estimated.