Saudi Arabia Tops Global Cybersecurity Competitiveness Index
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a global leader in cybersecurity. According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, the Kingdom maintains its top spot as the world's most competitive nation in cybersecurity [1][2][3].
This impressive achievement is a testament to Saudi Arabia's sustained commitment to building a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that strikes a balance between security and development, both locally and internationally [2][3]. The leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been instrumental in driving this success.
Their visionary approach has enabled the establishment of robust institutions such as the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) [2][3]. These entities have strengthened the Kingdom's national cyber resilience, advanced technological sovereignty, and fostered international cooperation [2].
The NCA, the national entity in charge of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia, oversees efforts to safeguard vital interests, critical infrastructure, and national security [2]. SITE, acting as the strategic and technical partner of the NCA, supports the localization of critical technologies and enhances domestic and international cybersecurity collaborations [2][4].
Key initiatives under the leadership of King Salman and Prince Mohammed include the NCA, which aims to enhance the Kingdom's cybersecurity posture to safeguard vital interests, national security, critical infrastructure, priority sectors, and government services and activities [3]. SITE serves as the strategic and technical partner to the NCA, with a mission to promote the growth of the cybersecurity sector within the Kingdom, foster innovation and investment [4].
The Saudi cybersecurity ecosystem has seen remarkable development since the establishment of the NCA and SITE. The Kingdom was classified as Tier 1 - "Role-modelling" in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, published by the UN specialized agency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) [1][3][4]. This recognition underscores the Kingdom's commitment to a resilient, secure, and trusted cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity.
The leadership's proactive approach has contributed to the enhancement of the Kingdom's cybersecurity sector, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global model in cybersecurity. This top ranking is a testament to the unwavering support and guidance provided to the Kingdom's cybersecurity sector by King Salman and Prince Mohammed. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to achieve leading positions year after year, demonstrating the success of its cybersecurity strategy.
- Saudi Arabia's efforts to maintain its leading position in cybersecurity include the development of robust infrastructure, such as the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), to strengthen national cyber resilience and advance technological sovereignty.
- The NCA, overseeing essential interests, critical infrastructure, and national security, plays a vital role in enhancing Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity framework, ensuring a balance between security and development on both local and international levels.
- Key to Saudi Arabia's success in cybersecurity is the strategic partnership between the NCA and the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), which aims to promote the growth of the cybersecurity sector, foster innovation and investment, and support international cybersecurity collaborations.
