The CEO of Mobily, Engineer Nizar bin Hussein Banbileh, stated that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has brought about a profound structural transformation in the telecommunications and information technology sector, evolving from a traditional service provider to a key enabler of the digital economy. He noted that this transformation has become one of the most prominent drivers of economic growth in the Kingdom.
Banbileh explained that the telecommunications sector has witnessed a qualitative shift since the launch of the vision, with the market growing by 46.2% between 2017 and 2025, increasing from 130 billion riyals (34.6 billion USD) to approximately 199 billion riyals (53.1 billion USD). This growth has been driven by accelerated investment in digital infrastructure and increased demand for data services.
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He pointed out that this growth has enhanced Saudi Arabia's global standing, as it topped the Telecommunications Development Index for 2025 issued by the International Telecommunication Union. The sector has also seen a significant expansion in the job market, with the number of jobs rising to over 406,000 jobs by the end of 2025, compared to about 250,000 jobs in 2018, reflecting the success of building a diverse and sustainable human and technical capital.
He affirmed that this development has contributed to the creation of new economic activities and hybrid economic models that combine technology with sectors such as entertainment and sports, as evidenced by the success of major events like the Riyadh Season, which attracted millions of visitors and stimulated the digital economy.
Background & Context
Banbileh highlighted that the private sector has played a pivotal role in this progress, supported by the regulatory environment established by Vision 2030, which has enhanced competitiveness and enabled companies to expand their investments and accelerate the adoption of modern technologies. The partnership between the public and private sectors has also contributed to the development of digital infrastructure and improved service quality, amidst the expansion of fifth-generation technologies by over 130% in recent years.
This integration has reflected positively on usage indicators, with internet penetration reaching approximately 99%, alongside rising levels of reliance on digital services, confirming the success of the digital transformation model in supporting the economy and enhancing quality of life.
Impact & Consequences
Banbileh confirmed that the telecommunications sector has become the main driver of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia, contributing about 16% to the GDP. He pointed out that the role of companies has expanded beyond providing services to enabling various sectors to enhance their operational efficiency and open new markets based on innovation.
Telecommunications companies have also contributed to enhancing digital sovereignty by diversifying international communication routes through investments in submarine and terrestrial cables, alongside expanding data centers, which boosts the reliability and continuity of digital services.
Regional Significance
He emphasized that the advancements in the telecommunications sector reflect a broader vision for the Arab region, where the Saudi experience could serve as a model for enhancing the digital economy. The Kingdom's success in this field may encourage other countries to adopt similar strategies to boost economic growth.
In conclusion, Banbileh affirmed that Mobily's strategy for the upcoming phase focuses on transforming into a comprehensive digital enabler, through five axes including enhancing customer experience, expanding individual services, and developing the business sector, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting the objectives of Vision 2030.