Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index, marking a key milestone in the Kingdom’s digital development journey.
The achievement features in the fifth edition of the 2026 Sustainability Report for the Communications, Space and Technology Sector. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, released the report under the theme “A Sustainable Present for an Empowered Future.”
The report outlines how Saudi Arabia is linking digital growth with environmental, economic and social sustainability.
Saudi Arabia leads global ICT Development Index
Saudi Arabia’s top ranking in the ICT Development Index stands among the report’s key national achievements.
The index, developed by the International Telecommunication Union, tracks the development of information and communication technologies across countries.
Moreover, the report highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen its role in shaping the global digital ecosystem.
These efforts include Riyadh’s hosting of the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025. The event focused on “Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development.”
The symposium also resulted in the issuance of the “Riyadh Outcomes for Innovative Regulation.”
CST pushes digital circular economy and e-waste action
The report also highlights Saudi Arabia’s work to address the environmental impact of technology.
For instance, the Kingdom launched a global guide to support the development of e-waste policies and regulations. The initiative aims to improve e-waste management and strengthen the digital circular economy.
In addition, Saudi Arabia joined the board of the Digital Regulation Network. This move gives the Kingdom a greater role in discussions around digital standards and regulation that support sustainable development.
These initiatives reflect a broader focus on combining technological progress with responsible resource management.
Space technology supports sustainability goals
Saudi Arabia has also expanded its sustainability efforts beyond the digital sector.
The Kingdom launched an Earth observation platform to support environmental monitoring and development initiatives. It also launched the “Shams” satellite to monitor space weather and support long-term space sustainability.
Furthermore, the report highlights initiatives involving artificial intelligence, satellite-based Earth observation and other advanced technologies.
These technologies aim to address environmental and development challenges while creating wider economic and social benefits.
14 sustainability success stories feature in CST report
The 2026 report includes 14 national success stories covering environmental, economic and social sustainability.
More than 25 public- and private-sector entities contributed to these initiatives.
The projects demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is using technology to create sustainable outcomes across multiple sectors.
In particular, the report highlights work in the digital circular economy, space sustainability, regulatory capacity building and international cooperation.
The report also sets out future priorities for building a more sustainable digital and space ecosystem. These efforts support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Arabia’s broader technology and sustainability ambitions.
As the Kingdom expands its digital and space capabilities, the report positions sustainability as an increasingly important part of its technology development strategy.
