Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that the digital economy contributed 15.6 percent to the country’s GDP in 2023, marking a 1.6 percent increase from 2022. The latest Saudi 2023 Digital Economy Statistics reveal robust growth in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
Imports of ICT goods rose by 19.9 percent to SAR 54.9 billion, while exports and re-exports surged 76.1 percent to SAR 11.8 billion, signaling expanding regional and global engagement. Additionally, 71.6 percent of internet-connected establishments now utilize smart devices and internet-enabled systems such as smart alarms, meters, lighting, and surveillance cameras.
Financially, the ICT sector generated operating revenues of approximately SAR 236.4 billion in 2023, with operating expenditures of SAR 115.4 billion and employee compensation totaling SAR 27.5 billion.
Breaking down the digital economy’s contribution to GDP, core enterprises directly producing ICT goods and services accounted for 2.6 percent. The narrow level—businesses primarily dependent on digital inputs—made up 2.3 percent, while the broad level, encompassing entities that significantly enhance products and services through digital technology, contributed 10.7 percent.
These figures underscore Saudi Arabia’s accelerating digital transformation and the growing centrality of ICT to its economic development strategy.
