Saudi Arabia’s digital economy accounted for 15.6% of the country’s GDP in 2023, up from 14% in 2022, according to the latest bulletin from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The data reflects the Kingdom’s continued push to expand its digital infrastructure and technology-driven sectors.
Imports of ICT goods rose to SAR 54.9 billion in 2023, an increase of 19.9% from SAR 45.8 billion in the previous year. Exports and re-exports of ICT goods climbed by 76.1%, reaching SAR 11.8 billion from SAR 6.7 billion.
Operating revenues in the ICT sector totalled SAR 236.4 billion while operating expenses stood at SAR 115.4 billion. Employee compensation in the industry amounted to SAR 27.5 billion.
The bulletin detailed the structure of the digital economy in three tiers. The core level, comprising producers of ICT goods and services, contributed 2.6% of GDP. The narrow level consisted of firms relying on digital inputs, accounting for 2.3%. The broad level, comprised of firms integrating digital tools into products and services, represented 10.7%.
GASTAT also reported that 71.6% of internet-connected establishments used smart systems such as meters, surveillance, alarms, and lighting.
