Prime Highlights:
- Saudi Arabia has moved up five places to reach 22nd position in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking.
- The Kingdom’s progress reflects its growing strength as a regional and global digital hub, supported by advancements in digital infrastructure and workforce development.
Key Facts:
- The ranking, released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), assessed 69 countries on their use of digital technologies.
- Saudi Arabia ranked 26th in Knowledge, 23rd in Technology, and 19th in Future Readiness, showing steady improvement across all key areas.
Background:
Saudi Arabia has moved up five places to reach 22nd position in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, marking strong progress in its digital transformation journey.
The ranking, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, reviews 69 countries on how effectively they use digital technology to boost their economies and societies.
The report shows that Saudi Arabia ranked 26th in Knowledge, 23rd in Technology, and 19th in Future Readiness. This shows the country’s ongoing work to improve its digital systems and train its people for future careers.
Saudi Arabia’s rise also highlights its growing position as a digital leader, supported by progress in data centers, online government services, and skill development.
On the global list, Switzerland came first, followed by the United States in second place and Singapore in third. Hong Kong, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada secured the next positions, respectively.
Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the United Arab Emirates ranked ninth worldwide, moving up two places from last year, while Qatar climbed six positions to reach 20th. Oman and Kuwait were placed 36th and 42nd, respectively.
The IMD report noted that global trade fragmentation continues to influence digital competitiveness, with nations less affected by trade disruptions advancing faster. Arturo Bris, Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, said that countries less affected by global trade challenges are moving ahead faster, using Qatar as an example.
Saudi Arabia’s consistent improvement in the global index reflects its long-term vision to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030.
