Expanded Contribution of Saudi Cybersecurity Industry Reaches $4.9 Billion in National GDP
Saudi Arabia Leads the Way in Global Cybersecurity
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global leader in cybersecurity, with the Kingdom's market reaching an impressive SR15.2 billion in 2024, marking a 14 percent year-on-year growth. This significant growth has been attributed to the ongoing initiatives of the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) to enhance the security and resilience of the Saudi cyberspace.
The NCA, the national reference point for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia, sets policies, frameworks, and standards while promoting innovation, investment, and sector growth. Its mission is to strengthen digital resilience by protecting critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.
According to the International Institute for Management Development's World Competitiveness Yearbook, Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity for 2025. This achievement is a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to cybersecurity, which is a key priority as it aims to become a regional hub for technology and innovation under Vision 2030.
Majid Rafizadeh, a Harvard-educated political scientist, described Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity model as a "blueprint for the future" in a column for Arab News in August 2025. He noted that the Kingdom's approach to cybersecurity "stands out so prominently in 2025." Rafizadeh further stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has built one of the most advanced, comprehensive, and forward-looking cybersecurity frameworks in the world.
The cybersecurity sector contributed SR18.5 billion ($4.9 billion) to the Kingdom's economy in 2024, marking a 19 percent increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a cybersecurity workforce that surpassed 21,000 professionals in 2024, showing a 9 percent increase from the previous year.
The sector is dominated by the private sector, with SR10.3 billion spent on cybersecurity in 2024, accounting for 68 percent of the market. Expenditure on cybersecurity services in 2024 was SR7.5 billion, while expenditure on cybersecurity products was SR7.7 billion, making up 49 percent and 51 percent of the total market, respectively.
Interestingly, women accounted for 32 percent of the cybersecurity workforce in Saudi Arabia in 2024, exceeding the global average of 24 percent. This diversity in the workforce is a positive step towards a more inclusive cybersecurity sector.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is responsible for strengthening digital resilience in Saudi Arabia. The DCO's tasks include convening diplomats, policymakers, and technology leaders to develop practical digital resilience strategies that support recovery, peace, and societal stability through the use of digital tools.
Saudi Arabia was designated a Tier 1 "role-modeling" nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN's International Telecommunication Union. This designation further solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in cybersecurity.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is setting a strong example for other countries to follow. The Kingdom's commitment to cybersecurity, innovation, and growth is commendable and will undoubtedly continue to drive its success in this critical area.
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