Saudi Arabia’s digital economy increased its contribution to national output in 2024, accounting for 16 per cent of gross domestic product, up from 15.6 per cent in 2023, according to the Digital Economy Survey bulletin for 2024.
The survey showed that the core digital economy contributed 2.7 per cent of GDP, while the narrow digital economy accounted for 2.4 per cent. The broad digital economy represented the largest share, contributing 10.9 per cent of overall GDP.
Operating revenues of the information and communications technology sector reached SR249.8 billion in 2024. Wired and wireless telecommunications activities led the sector with revenues of SR133.9 billion, followed by computer programming activities, which generated SR31.1 billion.
Operating expenditures across the ICT sector amounted to SR122.2 billion, while compensation of employees reached SR29.2 billion. Wired and wireless telecommunications activities accounted for the largest share of employee compensation at SR16.1 billion.
The survey also highlighted significant growth in foreign trade related to ICT goods. Imports increased from SR54.9 billion in 2023 to SR67.9 billion in 2024, reflecting growth of 23.5 per cent, driven primarily by communications equipment valued at SR36.8 billion. Exports and re-exports of ICT goods rose sharply to SR25.8 billion in 2024, up from SR11.8 billion the previous year, representing growth of 118 per cent.
The findings underline the growing role of digital activities in Saudi Arabia’s economy, supported by expanding ICT revenues, rising trade volumes, and continued development of the country’s digital and telecommunications sectors.
