Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index, according to the fifth edition of the 2026 Sustainability Report for the Kingdom’s communications, space and technology sector.
The report was issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology under the theme “A Sustainable Present for an Empowered Future.”
The publication brings together a range of national achievements spanning digital regulation, sustainability, space technologies and international cooperation.
ICT Development Index ranking highlights digital progress
Saudi Arabia’s first-place position in the ITU ICT Development Index is one of the report’s most prominent achievements.
The index is used to assess the development of information and communication technology capabilities across countries and provides a benchmark for digital connectivity and access.
The ranking reinforces Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position digital infrastructure and technology policy as central components of its wider economic and development strategy.
Riyadh regulatory outcomes form part of international agenda
The report also highlights Riyadh’s hosting of the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 under the theme “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development.”
The event resulted in the “Riyadh Outcomes for Innovative Regulation,” reflecting the Kingdom’s growing role in international discussions around digital policy and regulatory development.
Saudi Arabia also joined the board of the Digital Regulation Network, expanding its participation in shaping regulatory approaches and digital standards linked to sustainable development.
E-waste and circular economy initiatives expand
Another area of focus is electronic waste.
Saudi Arabia launched a global guide for developing e-waste policies and regulations, with the aim of improving e-waste management and supporting the transition toward a circular digital economy.
This reflects a broader effort to connect technology-sector growth with environmental sustainability.
The report also highlights additional initiatives led by CST and its partners in the digital circular economy and regulatory capacity building.
Space sustainability gains greater prominence
Saudi Arabia’s space activities are also featured prominently.
The Kingdom launched an Earth observation platform and the “Shams” satellite, which is intended to monitor space weather and contribute to space sustainability efforts.
Satellite-based Earth observation and space technologies are increasingly being used for environmental monitoring, planning and other development-related applications.
Fourteen national success stories included
The report includes 14 national success stories involving more than 25 public and private-sector entities.
These initiatives span environmental, economic and social sustainability and include the use of artificial intelligence, satellite-based Earth observation and other advanced technologies.
The examples are intended to show how digital and space technologies are being applied to real-world sustainability and development challenges.
Why this matters
The report shows that Saudi Arabia is increasingly linking digital leadership with sustainability and regulatory development.
The Kingdom’s ICT ranking reflects progress in connectivity and digital infrastructure, while its work on e-waste, space sustainability and international regulation suggests a broader strategy that extends beyond network deployment alone.
This combination of infrastructure, policy and technology applications could strengthen Saudi Arabia’s influence in regional and global digital governance.
Editor’s note
The most significant aspect of the report is the breadth of the agenda.
Saudi Arabia is not treating telecom, digital regulation and space as separate policy areas. Instead, they are increasingly being connected through a sustainability framework that includes digital infrastructure, circular economy principles, AI and satellite technologies.
The next measure of progress will be how these initiatives translate into measurable environmental, economic and social outcomes alongside continued improvements in connectivity and digital services.
