Saudi Arabia’s digital economy accounted for 15.6% of GDP in 2023, up from 14% in 2022, according to the latest Digital Economy Statistics Bulletin released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
The figures underscore the expanding role of information and communications technology (ICT) in supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification and digital transformation goals.
The 1.6 percentage point year-on-year increase reflects strong momentum across the ICT sector, particularly in trade, infrastructure, and private-sector digital adoption.
ICT Trade Grows Sharply
ICT goods imports grew by 19.9%, rising from SAR 45.8 billion in 2022 to SAR 54.9 billion in 2023, as demand for digital tools and infrastructure increased across sectors.
Meanwhile, exports and re-exports of ICT goods surged 76.1%, reaching SAR 11.8 billion, up from SAR 6.7 billion in the previous year.
The report also highlights a significant shift in private-sector digital integration.
71.6% of internet-connected establishments in the Kingdom now use smart systems or devices, including smart meters, lighting, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras, signalling deepening digital transformation across industries.
The ICT sector generated SAR 236.4 billion in operating revenues in 2023, with operating expenses totaling SAR 115.4 billion.
Compensation for employees in the sector stood at SAR 27.5 billion, reinforcing the sector’s growing role as a major employment engine.
UN-Aligned Metrics Show Diverse Digital Economy Activity
Using a three-tiered digital economy classification aligned with UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) standards, GASTAT segmented contributions as follows:
- Basic level (core ICT production): 2.6% of GDP
- Narrow level (reliant on digital inputs): 2.3% of GDP
- Broad level (digitally enhanced services/products): 10.7% of GDP
The broad level’s dominance highlights how digitalisation is reshaping traditional sectors and enabling new business models across the Saudi economy.
GASTAT emphasized that the bulletin’s methodology adheres to international statistical frameworks, ensuring both accuracy and comparability.
The latest figures position Saudi Arabia as a rising digital economy hub in the region, as the Kingdom pursues its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, digital innovation, and private-sector growth.
