Saudi Arabia Maintains its Leadership in Global Cybersecurity Ranking For the Third Consecutive Year in 2026

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its global leadership in cybersecurity, maintaining its first position in the global ranking of the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook's cybersecurity index for 2026.

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) stated that this top ranking is a direct reflection of the unwavering support and guidance provided to the Kingdom's cybersecurity sector by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The achievement is also the result of their wise directives to empower the cybersecurity sector as a fundamental pillar of the national security system. 

NCA explained that the Saudi cybersecurity sector has seen remarkable development since the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) as the Kingdom's specialized and national authority for cybersecurity affairs, and the establishment of Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) as its strategic and technical partner, which propelled Saudi Arabia to achieve leading positions year after year across various international indicators. This includes the Kingdom's classification as Tier 1 – “Role-modelling” in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2026, published by the UN specialized agency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is the national entity responsible for cybersecurity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the national reference for all its affairs. It aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cybersecurity posture to safeguard its vital interests, national security, critical infrastructure, priority sectors, and government services and activities. NCA undertakes several key efforts, including promoting the growth of the cybersecurity sector within the Kingdom, fostering innovation and investment, and establishing policies, governance mechanisms, frameworks, standards, regulations, and guidelines related to cybersecurity. These efforts are designed to cultivate a resilient, secure, and trusted Saudi cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity.