Riyadh: During 2025, the Kingdom consolidated its global presence in the fields of communications, space, and technology, building on an integrated ecosystem of qualitative achievements delivered by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). These achievements strengthened the Kingdom's position as one of the world's fastest-growing and most influential digital economies.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom ranked first globally in the 2025 ICT Development Index (IDI) issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and second worldwide in the 2025 Digital Regulatory Maturity Index, maintaining its classification within the highest 'leading' tier of global rankings. It also placed second among G20 countries in the ICT Regulatory Tracker, reflecting the maturity of the regulatory environment and the efficiency of the national digital infrastructure.
During the year, the Kingdom secured one award and three certificates of excellence at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), joined the Board of the ITU's Digital Regulation Network, and announced its candidacy for ITU Council membership, underscoring its strategic presence within the global digital governance ecosystem. Riyadh also hosted the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25), with participation from more than 190 countries, attendance exceeding 6,500 participants and visitors, and 55 international and local speakers across more than 30 dialogue sessions, making it one of the largest and most influential international gatherings shaping the future of sector regulation.
In the space sector, the Kingdom further reinforced its leadership through the launch of the global SpaceUp Competition by the CST in partnership with the Saudi Space Agency. The initiative attracted more than 690 submissions from 50 countries and offered contracting opportunities valued at $28 million across six technical tracks, stimulating innovation and attracting advanced space solutions serving multiple vital sectors. The CST also launched the Earth Observation (EO) platform, the first national marketplace dedicated to space-based observation data, supporting the growth of the space economy and enabling innovative technological applications.
In advanced wireless technologies, the Kingdom achieved a notable milestone with the successful completion of the first 7 GHz spectrum trial in the Middle East and North Africa enabling sixth-generation (6G) technologies, in partnership with stc Group and Nokia. This achievement enhances the Kingdom's early readiness for future communications technologies. The CST also collaborated with the ITU to launch a comprehensive global guide for developing electronic waste management policies and regulations, supporting international efforts to adopt sustainable technology practices.
The Kingdom continues to boost its communications, space, and technology markets, with the national ICT market remaining the largest and fastest growing in the region. It is expected to reach SAR190 billion by the end of 2025, representing 5% growth compared to 2024. The CST also launched the Spectrum Outlook for Commercial and Innovative Use (2025-2027) to ensure optimal utilization of spectrum, support economic growth, and enhance the Kingdom's global competitiveness.
These achievements underscore the advanced position the Kingdom has attained at the regional and international levels and its expanding role in shaping the future of communications, space, and technology, reinforcing the prosperity of the digital economy and cementing the Kingdom's leadership within the global innovation and technology regulation ecosystem.