Saudi Arabia took part in the 2026 session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council in Geneva, Switzerland. The Saudi delegation was led by the Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Eng. Haytham Al-Ohali, and attended by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen Majed Bin Khothaila.
This participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the communications, space, and technology sectors. It also underscores the Kingdom’s support for ITU initiatives and its dedication to leveraging expertise, resources, and innovation to benefit member states, particularly developing countries.
ITU
In his opening remarks, Eng. Al-Ohali highlighted the growing global challenges that require stronger international coordination to achieve strategic priorities shaping the ITU’s future. He emphasized that rapid technological change and increasing resource constraints reinforce the importance of the Union’s role, stressing the collective responsibility to ensure its continued leadership and adaptability in advancing the global digital ecosystem.
He noted that Saudi Arabia considers connectivity and digital infrastructure essential drivers of economic growth and development. A decade after the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has emerged as a global example of successful digital transformation, contributing significantly to digital inclusion worldwide.
Al-Ohali outlined key achievements under Vision 2030, including the growth of the digital economy to approximately $132 billion, accounting for around 15% of GDP. Mobile internet speeds have surged from 9.2 Mbps in 2017 to over 214 Mbps in 2026, placing the Kingdom among the world’s top ten. Internet penetration has also increased dramatically, rising from 68% to nearly full coverage.
He further highlighted major regulatory and policy advancements, noting that Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in the Digital Readiness Index. Women’s participation in the technology sector has also grown significantly—from 7% to 35%—the highest rate in the MENA region, exceeding averages in both the G20 and the European Union.
Al-Ohali reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strong partnership with the ITU in transforming progress into initiatives with global impact. Efforts include launching a roadmap to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity, particularly in developing countries, alongside a global economic model to support sustainable investment in digital infrastructure.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has collaborated with the ITU to train more than 1,500 specialists from 190 countries through the Digital Regulatory Academy (DRA), and introduced initiatives to empower women leaders, training over 300 participants from member states.
Artificial Intelligence
On artificial intelligence, Al-Ohali stated that the Kingdom aims to develop over 6 gigawatts of computing capacity by 2030. By leveraging its strengths in energy resources, investment capacity, land availability, and strategic location, Saudi Arabia seeks to help address the global computing gap and support countries worldwide.
He concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to the ITU’s mission of connecting people, building digital capacity, fostering trust, and advancing technology for sustainable development.
The 2026 session marks the final Council cycle for the 2023–2026 period, ahead of the upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference. The ITU Council, composed of 48 member states out of 194, is responsible for overseeing the Union’s work between conferences.
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