Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the world’s leading nation in cybersecurity, securing first place in the cybersecurity ranking of the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 for the third consecutive year. The achievement highlights the Kingdom’s continued progress in strengthening its digital resilience and advancing its cybersecurity capabilities in line with national development priorities.
According to the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), the ranking reflects the strong support provided by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Kingdom’s leadership has consistently prioritized cybersecurity as a core pillar of national security, driving significant investments, policy development, and institutional growth across the sector.
The NCA noted that Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity ecosystem has undergone substantial transformation since the authority was established as the Kingdom’s dedicated cybersecurity regulator and national reference body. Working alongside Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), its strategic and technical partner, the NCA has helped strengthen the nation’s cyber infrastructure, governance frameworks, and operational capabilities, contributing to the Kingdom’s rise across multiple international cybersecurity benchmarks.
In addition to leading the IMD cybersecurity ranking, Saudi Arabia was also classified as a Tier 1 “Role-Modelling” country in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2026 issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication technologies. The designation places the Kingdom among the world’s most advanced nations in cybersecurity governance, technical capacity, organizational measures, legal frameworks, and international cooperation.
As the national authority responsible for cybersecurity affairs, the NCA plays a central role in protecting Saudi Arabia’s vital interests, critical infrastructure, government systems, priority sectors, and national security assets. Its mandate includes developing cybersecurity strategies, regulations, standards, controls, and governance mechanisms while supporting innovation, investment, and talent development within the sector.
The authority continues to work toward building a secure, resilient, and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth, technological advancement, and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Through ongoing collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders, the Kingdom is strengthening its position as a global cybersecurity leader while fostering a digital ecosystem capable of supporting future innovation and prosperity.
