Saudi Arabia Witnesses Surge in Internet Usage During 2023
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: In a landmark revelation, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable surge in internet usage throughout 2023, reaching a penetration rate of 99%, thereby establishing near-universal access among its populace.
The findings, unveiled in the comprehensive “Internet Saudi Arabia” report for the year 2023 by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, underscore the nation’s rapid digital transformation and its burgeoning embrace of online connectivity. The report, prominently featured by Saudi Gazette, unveils a plethora of insightful statistics illuminating the country’s digital landscape.
One of the report’s striking revelations is the parity in internet usage between genders, with both men and women boasting impressively high adoption rates of 99.3% and 98.5% respectively, showcasing a remarkable stride towards digital inclusivity.
A significant portion of the populace, as per the report, dedicates substantial time to online engagement, with over half of users (52.3%) spending more than seven hours daily traversing the digital realm. The preferred modes of access predominantly include home-based connections (84.7%), mobile browsing (72%), and workplace utilization (43.4%), culminating in peak internet activity observed between 9 PM and 11 PM, with Fridays emerging as the pinnacle of online engagement. December emerges as the zenith month for internet utilization.
Delving into the realm of devices, the report elucidates the dominance of mobile phones as the primary conduit for internet access, commanding a staggering 98.9% usage rate, followed by computers at 55% and tablets at 39%. Operating system preferences manifest with Android reigning supreme at 61.5%, trailed closely by iOS at 38.1%, while Windows commands a lion’s share among computer operating systems at 91.1%, with Macintosh trailing at 7%.
Moreover, the report sheds light on the online activities captivating the Saudi populace, with government services and banking facilities emerging as frontrunners, boasting utilization rates of 95.5% and 73.6% respectively. Notably, online shopping trends indicate a burgeoning e-commerce landscape, with 63.7% of users indulging in online purchases, with women leading the charge at 74.6%, eclipsing their male counterparts at 55.7%.
Furthermore, the report underscores the pivotal role of infrastructure advancements in fostering widespread internet adoption, positioning Saudi Arabia among the global elite in mobile internet speeds. The burgeoning growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is palpable, evidenced by over 12 million IoT subscriptions. The exponential surge in internet data traffic, surpassing 42 million terabytes in 2023 and averaging 44 gigabytes per month per individual, serves as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to digital progression.
As Saudi Arabia propels towards a digitally empowered future, the exponential rise in internet usage stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to harnessing the transformative power of technology for the betterment of its citizens and the advancement of society at large.
