The number of Internet users above the age of 15 has grown in Saudi Arabia – from 92.9 percent in 2021 to 94.3 percent last year.
This was determined by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), which released its bulletin based on the access and use of information and communication technology for families and individuals.
The Households and Individuals’ Information and Communications Technology Access and Usage Survey 2022 also indicated that internet use by men (95 percent) is slightly higher than that of women (93.3 percent).
Expats in Saudi Arabia ‘use the internet more’
It also found that expats use the internet more than the Saudis – 95.2 percent compared to 93.6 percent.
Social media was the most popular reason for internet usage among individuals (15 years and above).
As many as 92.8 percent of people use the internet to access social and professional networks. The male usage rate of 92.9 percent was almost similar to the female’s (92.6 percent).
The percentage of individuals, in the 15 years and above age category, who purchased goods and services on the internet reached 59.7 percent of the total internet users for the year 2022.
Females users outstripped males in this category, with 60.9 percent trying online shopping compared to 58.8 percent of males.
Clothing, shoes and sporting goods are the most purchased items online in Saudi Arabia, with a rate of 77.2 percent of the total purchases. Cosmetics were purchased by 35.3 percent of internet users, with 25.7 percent males placing orders, compared to 48.8 percent of females.
The percentage of families with access to internet was 96.5 and the percentage of families with a computer was 57.4.
This was down from 62.5 percent in 2021. However, the mobile phone penetration was close to 100 percent, increasing to 99.5 percent in 2022 compared to 98.2 percent in 2021.
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