Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is rapidly maturing, with a new report from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) revealing significant growth in AI adoption and mobile data consumption. The Saudi Internet Report 2025 shows that 45.2% of internet users in the Kingdom now use AI tools, while average mobile data consumption has hit 53 GB per person per month—three times the global average.
Quick Facts
- AI tool adoption reaches 45.2% of users.
- Average mobile data use is 53 GB monthly.
- Median mobile download speed hits 216 Mbps.
AI Becomes a Mainstream Tool
Nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s internet users are actively using AI-powered applications, signaling a major shift from niche technology to a mainstream utility. This growth is driven by increasing familiarity with generative AI, intelligent search tools, and digital assistants. As AI becomes further integrated into key sectors like education, healthcare, and government services under the Vision 2030 framework, user engagement is set to climb even higher.
High-Speed Infrastructure Fuels a Data-Hungry Nation
The Kingdom’s massive data consumption is supported by sustained investment in next-generation telecommunications infrastructure. The 53 GB average monthly mobile data usage per person points to both high-capacity networks and strong demand for data-heavy services like video streaming and cloud applications.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia recorded a median mobile internet download speed of 216 Mbps, placing it among the top five G20 countries for mobile broadband performance. This achievement reflects the successful rollout of fiber networks and 5G deployment across the country.
Digital Life Is the New Norm
Digital platforms are now deeply embedded in the daily routines of Saudi residents. According to the CST report, 61.3% of internet users spend seven hours or more online each day. This time is spread across communication, entertainment, e-commerce, and accessing government services, demonstrating a comprehensive reliance on the digital ecosystem. The report also tracked the Kingdom’s most popular applications, revealing diverse digital engagement among consumers.
Local Digital Economy Shows Strong Growth
The report highlights a growing confidence in the local digital market, with registrations of Saudi internet domain names increasing by 18% year-on-year. This points to an expansion of local digital businesses and content creation. The evolving browsing habits and application trends suggest a maturing digital economy that is fostering innovation and encouraging digital entrepreneurship, aligning with the nation’s goal of expanding technology’s contribution to GDP.
About The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST)
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) is the national authority responsible for organizing the communications, space, and technology sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The commission works to enable a prosperous digital society and a thriving digital economy.
Source: MEA TechWatch
