RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has retained its position as the highest-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to the latest International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook. Officials attribute this continued success to the strong support from the nation’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The country’s national digital transformation strategy has been pivotal in positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of international cybersecurity standards. Officials emphasized that the Kingdom’s achievements arise from a comprehensive and long-term approach balancing national security priorities with economic and technological development goals.
Further affirming its status, Saudi Arabia was designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, published by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This recognition highlights the Kingdom’s leadership and international standing in the cybersecurity domain.
At the core of Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity framework is the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), the primary agency responsible for overseeing national cybersecurity efforts, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which acts as its strategic and technical partner. Together, these institutions have bolstered national cyber defenses, promoted localization of critical technologies, and fostered expanded domestic and international collaboration.
The NCA serves as the national reference point for all cybersecurity-related matters, tasked with enhancing digital resilience by protecting critical infrastructure, vital sectors, and government services. It also establishes policies, frameworks, and standards, while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity industry.
These initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to create a secure, trusted digital environment that fuels economic growth and strengthens global cooperation.
