Saudi Arabia’s establishments are rapidly adopting information technology, with education and manufacturing activities leading the way in internet usage, registering rates of 98.6 percent and 97.6 percent, respectively, last year. These findings were revealed in the 2022 Survey of Information and Communication Technology Access and Usage by Establishments conducted by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
The survey encompassed a wide range of sectors and revealed that 96.1 percent of Saudi establishments utilized the internet in 2022. Topping the list of activities with the highest internet usage was the information and communication sector, reaching an impressive rate of 98.9 percent. Additionally, the survey indicated that 58.7 percent of businesses used fixed phones for their operations, while 76 percent relied on mobile phones for communication.
Among the establishments that used computers, 94.6 percent were reported to have them, with 67.8 percent providing training to employees on computer programs and applications. Notably, the education sector stood out as the most computer-utilizing domain, with a staggering 99.7 percent of establishments in the sector employing computers for their activities.
In a separate GASTAT bulletin released earlier this month, it was revealed that the percentage of internet users in Saudi Arabia had risen to 94.3 percent in 2022. This figure represents the proportion of individuals aged 15 years or older who accessed the internet. The data further highlighted that men had a slightly higher internet usage rate of 95 percent, while women registered a rate of 93.3 percent, indicating the growing digital inclusion among Saudi citizens. This sector’s high internet adoption showcases its recognition of the importance of digital connectivity and its active utilization of online platforms for communication, information sharing, and collaboration.
The GASTAT data also provided insights into the demographic composition of internet users, revealing that 93.6 percent of users were Saudi nationals, while non-Saudis accounted for 95.2 percent. Moreover, the report stated that 96.5 percent of families in Saudi Arabia had internet access, and 57.3 percent of households had a computer, underlining the increasing penetration of technology into Saudi homes.
Regarding networking infrastructure, 69.4 percent of the surveyed establishments had an intranetwork, primarily observed in the finance and insurance sectors. Furthermore, the survey found that only 45.6 percent of companies utilizing the internet had a website, with financial and insurance activities leading the way in website adoption. On the other hand, 52.6 percent of institutions in Saudi Arabia had a social media presence, primarily in the education sector.
The study also shed light on the utilization of cloud computing, with 34.5 percent of establishments using it for financial or accounting software applications in 2022. This highlights the growing adoption of cloud-based solutions among businesses in Saudi Arabia.
In another GASTAT bulletin released earlier this month, it was reported that the percentage of internet users in the Kingdom had increased to 94.3 percent in 2022. The data revealed that 94.3 percent of individuals aged 15 years or older used the internet, marking a 1.4 percent increase compared to 2021. Furthermore, the report indicated that men had a slightly higher internet usage rate at 95 percent, while women registered a rate of 93.3 percent in 2022.
The GASTAT data also highlighted that 93.6 percent of internet users were Saudi nationals, while non-Saudis accounted for 95.2 percent of users. Furthermore, 96.5 percent of families in Saudi Arabia had access to the internet, and 57.3 percent of households possessed a computer.
These statistics underscore the increasing digitalization of Saudi society, with both establishments and individuals embracing information technology and leveraging internet connectivity for various purposes. The high rates of internet usage reflect the country’s commitment to technological advancement and its drive to create a digital society that fosters innovation, economic growth, and social development.
