Saudi Arabia Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Saudi Arabia's mobile subscriptions was 167.45 in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 6.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's mobile subscriptions stood at 167.45 in 2025, a rise of +9.68 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 167.45 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 21st globally.
Saudi Arabia's mobile subscription rate has seen significant growth and fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, starting from a mere 0.09 subscriptions per 100 people in 1990. The all-time low of 0.08 subscriptions in 1995 indicates a period of limited mobile penetration. However, the adoption of mobile technology accelerated in the following years, peaking at 206.85 subscriptions in 2011. As of 2025, the country has 167.45 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, ranking 21st globally. In comparison, Kuwait has a slightly higher rate of 170.69 subscriptions, while other peer countries like Thailand and South Africa also exhibit similar rates. Despite the current moderate mobile subscription rate, Saudi Arabia's trend suggests a gradual decline from its peak in 2011. A significant increase in internet and mobile penetration is expected in Saudi Arabia with the advancement of its 5G network and the government's push for digital transformation, which could potentially alter the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 172.94 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 167.45 | - | - |
| 2025 | 167.45 | +9.68 | #21 |
| 2023 | 157.78 | +7.98 | #20 |
| 2022 | 149.80 | +4.79 | #29 |
| 2021 | 145.00 | +5.56 | #26 |
| 2020 | 139.44 | +3.92 | #27 |
| 2019 | 135.53 | −0.52 | #35 |
| 2018 | 136.05 | +5.42 | #31 |
| 2017 | 130.63 | −25.41 | #44 |
| 2016 | 156.04 | −20.09 | #13 |
| 2015 | 176.13 | −5.72 | #7 |
| 2014 | 181.86 | −7.62 | #5 |
| 2013 | 189.48 | −6.37 | #4 |
| 2012 | 195.84 | −11.01 | #4 |
| 2011 | 206.85 | +1.88 | #3 |
| 2010 | 204.97 | +19.71 | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's mobile subscriptions was 167.45 in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 6.1% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's mobile subscriptions peaked at 206.85 in 2011.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Saudi Arabia was 0.08 in 1995.
Saudi Arabia ranks 21st globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 167.45 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 167.45. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Saudi Arabia Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}