Saudi Arabia Reports 99.6% Internet Usage as Online Shopping and Digital Services Grow

Saudi Arabia has reported internet usage of 99.6 per cent among people aged 15 to 74 in 2026. The latest figures also show strong use of online government services and e-commerce.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the findings on 1 November. Its survey examined how people access and use information and communication technology across the Kingdom.

The results show that digital services now play a major role in daily activities, shopping and access to government services.

Internet use reaches 99.6 per cent

According to GASTAT, 99.6 per cent of people aged 15 to 74 used the internet in 2026.

The rate stood at 99.8 per cent among Saudi males and 99.5 per cent among Saudi females.

Young people recorded the highest usage. The rate reached 99.9 per cent among those aged 15 to 24.

The survey also found that 99.3 per cent of people accessed the internet from home. In addition, 98 per cent used it at least once a day.

These figures show how widely people across Saudi Arabia rely on digital connections.

Mobile phones remain the main way to connect

Mobile phones remain the most common way to access the internet.

GASTAT reported that 98.4 per cent of individuals used mobile phones to connect online.

By comparison, 13.9 per cent used laptops and 12.3 per cent used tablets.

The figures show the importance of mobile access in the Kingdom’s digital services.

For businesses, this also highlights the need to make websites and online services easy to use on smartphones.

Social media leads online activities

Social networking was the most common online activity.

GASTAT found that 99.7 per cent of internet users used social networking platforms.

Meanwhile, 87.8 per cent watched video content online. Another 55.2 per cent listened to audio content.

People also used the internet to find information about products and services. This activity accounted for 65.4 per cent of users.

The results show that online platforms serve several purposes, from communication and entertainment to product research.

More people use digital government services

Digital government services recorded high participation across Saudi Arabia.

The survey found that 98.4 per cent of individuals used government services online. The rate reached 98.6 per cent among Saudi nationals.

Accessing government forms electronically was the most common activity in this category. It accounted for 89 per cent of people using online government services.

These figures reflect the growing use of digital channels to access public services.

They also show how online platforms can help people complete routine tasks without visiting government offices.

Online shopping remains popular

E-commerce also recorded strong participation.

GASTAT found that 74.5 per cent of internet users bought goods or services online.

Among Saudi nationals, the figure reached 84.9 per cent. Saudi women recorded a higher rate of 86.8 per cent, compared with 83.1 per cent among Saudi men.

Clothing, footwear, sports equipment and household products led online purchases. These categories accounted for 85.2 per cent of purchases.

Food, groceries and tobacco followed at 54.4 per cent. Books, magazines and newspapers accounted for 22.8 per cent.

The results underline the role of online shopping in the Kingdom’s consumer market.

What the figures mean for businesses

High internet usage creates opportunities for companies across several industries.

Retailers can reach more customers through online stores. Banks and service providers can also offer more digital products.

In addition, companies can use mobile platforms to improve customer support and make services easier to access.

However, wider digital use also increases the need for secure systems, reliable services and better protection of personal information.

Saudi Arabia’s digital economy continues to expand

The latest survey provides a picture of the Kingdom’s digital habits in 2026.

Internet access, social networking, online shopping and digital government services all recorded high participation.

For businesses and public institutions, the challenge now goes beyond getting people online. They must also improve service quality, security and the user experience.

The latest figures offer a useful measure of Saudi Arabia’s digital progress. They also show how technology continues to shape everyday life and business activity across the country.