6 May 2024: Saudi Arabia experienced a significant surge in internet usage in 2023, with a penetration rate hitting 99%, showcasing nearly universal access across its populace.
According to the 2023 ‘Internet Saudi Arabia’ report by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, both men and women demonstrated high internet usage rates, with 99.3% and 98.5% respectively.
The report, as detailed by Saudi Gazette, indicates that over half of the users, accounting for 52.3%, spend more than seven hours daily on the internet. The majority access it from home (84.7%), on the move (72%), or from workplaces (43.4%). Peak usage hours were observed between 9 PM and 11 PM, with Fridays witnessing the highest activity, while December emerged as the peak month for internet usage.
In terms of devices, mobile phones emerged as the primary means of internet access at 98.9%, followed by personal computers (55%) and tablets (39%). Android dominated as the mobile operating system (61.5%), followed by iOS (38.1%), while Windows led among computer operating systems (91.1%), trailed by MacOS (7%).
Furthermore, the report highlights key online activities, including government and banking services, with usage rates of 95.5% and 73.6% respectively. It also delves into online shopping trends, revealing that 63.7% of users engage in online purchases, with a higher percentage among women (74.6%) compared to men (55.7%).
The report underscores the crucial role of infrastructure developments in fostering widespread internet usage. Saudi Arabia ranks among the top ten countries globally for mobile internet speeds, with over 12 million IoT subscriptions and internet data traffic exceeding 42 million terabytes in 2023, averaging 44 gigabytes per month per individual.
The data reflects Saudi Arabia’s dynamic digital landscape and its embrace of technological advancements, shaping various aspects of daily life and economic activities.
