Saudi Arabia has experienced an incredible increase in internet usage, with a penetration rate of 99 per cent among its population. A report titled “Internet Saudi Arabia” by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission revealed that both men and women have high internet usage rates, reaching 99.3 per cent and 98.5 per cent respectively. The majority of users spend more than seven hours daily on the internet, with peak usage hours between 9pm and 11pm, and Fridays being the busiest day. December emerged as the peak month for internet usage in the country.
Mobile phones are the preferred device for internet access, with a usage rate of 98.9 per cent, followed by computers at 55 per cent and tablets at 39 per cent. The report also highlighted the dominance of Android and iOS as mobile operating systems, while Windows leads among computer operating systems. Online activities such as government and banking services are popular, with a usage rate of 95.5 per cent and 73.6 per cent respectively. Interestingly, online shopping trends indicate that more women (74.6%) than men (55.7%) engage in online shopping.
The report also emphasized the importance of infrastructure developments in facilitating widespread internet usage in Saudi Arabia. The country is among the top 10 globally for mobile internet speeds, with over 12 million IoT subscriptions. Internet data traffic exceeded 42 million terabytes in 2023. The growth of IoT and the average monthly data usage per individual indicates the country’s strong position in the digital landscape.
Overall, the report showcases the significant impact and prevalence of internet usage in Saudi Arabia, with near-universal access among its population. The high usage rates among both men and women, along with the popularity of mobile devices for internet access, highlight the country’s digital connectivity. The report also sheds light on the top online activities, online shopping trends, and the role of infrastructure in supporting widespread internet usage. Saudi Arabia’s position in terms of internet speed and IoT subscriptions underscores its digital advancement and readiness for the future.
