Saudi Arabia launches survey to measure digital economy

Key Takeaways

• GASTAT has launched a survey targeting establishments that rely on digital technologies, infrastructure, and services
• The data will support international comparisons and inform policy decisions under Vision 2030
• Saudi Arabia aims for digital economy to contribute 50% of non-oil GDP by 2030

Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has launched a national survey to measure the digital economy's size and scope. The survey will identify businesses that depend on digital technologies, infrastructure, services, and data, creating baseline statistics the Kingdom currently lacks.

This is not a minor administrative exercise. Saudi Arabia has poured billions into digital infrastructure over the past decade, but policymakers have had limited visibility into what the digital economy actually contributes. Without hard numbers, Vision 2030's digital transformation targets remain aspirational rather than measurable.

What will the survey measure?

GASTAT will collect data from a representative sample of establishments across all regions and economic activities. The agency is looking at four categories of digital inputs: digital technologies, digital infrastructure, digital services, and data. Establishments whose operations are "significantly enhanced" by these inputs fall within scope.

The survey has multiple objectives. First, it aims to create a comprehensive database for developing indicators on the Kingdom's digital economy. Second, it will provide researchers and academics with statistical data to support scientific studies. Third, and most practically, it will give policymakers the evidence base they need for informed decisions.

A final objective stands out: enabling local, regional, and international comparisons. This matters because Saudi Arabia is competing with the UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf states for tech investment and talent. Without standardized metrics, the Kingdom cannot benchmark its progress or make credible claims to investors.

Why Saudi Arabia needs this data now

The timing reflects Vision 2030's intensifying focus on economic diversification. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets: the digital economy should eventually contribute around 50% of non-oil GDP. The ICT market alone is estimated at $6.4 billion and growing roughly 8% annually. Internet penetration exceeds 99%, and smartphone adoption sits above 90%.

These top-line numbers look impressive, but they obscure more than they reveal. How much of that economic activity is genuinely digital-native versus traditional businesses with websites? Which sectors are most digitized? Where are the gaps?

GASTAT's survey should answer these questions. The OECD and UN have been developing standardized methodologies for measuring digital economies, and Saudi Arabia is aligning with those frameworks. This is essential for credibility. Investors and international organizations want apples-to-apples comparisons, not bespoke metrics.

What the survey means for tech businesses

For tech companies operating in or considering Saudi Arabia, this survey signals seriousness. Governments that measure their digital economies tend to invest more strategically in them. Better data leads to better-targeted incentives, infrastructure spending, and regulatory frameworks.

The survey also creates compliance overhead. Establishments selected for the sample will need to report on their digital inputs. For large enterprises with dedicated compliance teams, this is routine. For smaller businesses, it adds administrative burden.

That said, participation benefits the broader ecosystem. The resulting database will be a public good, available to researchers, investors, and other businesses trying to understand the Saudi market.

Limitations to watch

Survey methodology matters enormously here. GASTAT says it will use a "representative sample," but the agency has not disclosed sampling methods, response requirements, or verification protocols. Self-reported data on "digital inputs" can be inconsistent. What one company calls essential digital infrastructure, another might classify as overhead.

The survey's scope also raises questions. It targets establishments that "rely on" or are "significantly enhanced by" digital inputs. That language is subjective. Nearly every modern business uses email and cloud storage. The challenge is distinguishing digitally transformed businesses from those with a thin digital veneer.

These methodological details will determine whether the resulting data is genuinely useful or just another set of government statistics that nobody trusts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GASTAT's digital economy survey?

A national statistical survey launched by Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics to identify establishments that rely on digital technologies, infrastructure, services, and data. It aims to create baseline metrics for the Kingdom's digital economy.

Why is Saudi Arabia measuring its digital economy now?

Vision 2030 has set ambitious targets for digital transformation, but policymakers lack hard data on the digital economy's actual size and composition. The survey will provide evidence for policy decisions and enable international comparisons.

Who will participate in the GASTAT digital economy survey?

A representative sample of establishments across all economic activities and regions in Saudi Arabia. The survey targets businesses whose operations depend on or are significantly enhanced by digital inputs.

When will the survey results be available?

GASTAT has not announced a publication date. Based on typical survey timelines, results would likely be available in late 2026 or 2027.

How does this compare to digital economy measurement elsewhere?

The survey aligns with OECD and UN methodologies for measuring digital economies, enabling Saudi Arabia to benchmark against other countries using standardized metrics.

Source: https://saudigazette.com.sa / Saudi Gazette