- Saudi Arabia’s internet usage reached 99.6% among individuals aged 15 to 74 in 2026, according to GASTAT’s survey.
- The highest internet usage rate was among the 15‑to‑24 age group, at 99.9%.
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia recorded an internet usage rate of 99.6% among residents aged 15‑74 in 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
The findings appear in GASTAT’s 2026 ICT Access and Usage by Households and Individuals Survey. It reveals that Saudi men had a usage rate of 99.8%, while women reached 99.5%. The 15‑24 age bracket led all groups, with a usage rate of 99.9%, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Internet access and usage data indicate that 99.3% of respondents use the internet at home, and 98% go online at least once daily.
Mobile phones dominate internet access, used by 98.4% of respondents, followed by laptops at 13.9% and tablets at 12.3%.
Social networking is the primary online activity, with 99.7% of internet users participating—rates are identical for men and women. Searching for goods and services follows, engaged by 65.4% of users.
Video streaming is practiced by 87.8% of users, audio consumption by 55.2%, and online gaming by 19.4%.
Digital government services are widely adopted, with 98.4% of individuals using them. Among Saudi nationals, the usage rate reaches 98.6%, with 98.9% of men and 98.4% of women. Electronic forms are the most common service, utilized by 89% of those accessing online government portals.
E‑commerce activity is robust, with 74.5% of internet users buying goods or services online. Saudi nationals show a higher rate of 84.9%, while women lead at 86.8% versus 83.1% for men. Top‑selling categories include apparel, footwear, sports gear, and household items, which together represent 85.2% of purchases. Food, groceries, and tobacco follow at 54.4%, and books, magazines, and newspapers make up 22.8% of online sales.
GASTAT emphasizes that its statistics are generated through a unified methodology that aligns with international standards, facilitating cross‑border comparisons and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).