The latest "Internet Saudi Arabia" study released by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) sheds light on the astounding growth and trends in internet usage across the Kingdom. Here are the shocking facts and figures revealed in the report:

1. Widespread Internet Access: In 2023, internet penetration in Saudi Arabia surged to a staggering 99%, with both men and women embracing online connectivity. Men constitute 99.3% of internet users, while women account for 98.5%.

2. Daily Online Habits: Over half of internet users (52.3%) spend a minimum of 7 hours online daily, with home being the primary access point (84.7%), followed by travel (72.2%) and work (43.4%).

3. Peak Usage Times: Evenings from 9 to 11 PM witness the highest internet activity, with Fridays emerging as the peak day of the week. December registers the highest volume of internet traffic annually.

4. Mobile Dominance: Mobile devices reign supreme in internet access, constituting 98.9% of all connections. Laptops (55%) and tablets (39%) also play significant roles. Android leads in mobile OS market share (61.5%), followed by iOS (38.1%).

5. Online Activities: Banking services and government services rank as the top two online activities, with 73.6% and 95.5% utilization rates, respectively. The surge in online shopping is noteworthy, with 63.7% of users making purchases online, particularly women (74.6%).

6. Infrastructure Advancements: Saudi Arabia boasts top-tier mobile internet speeds, facilitating seamless connectivity. The adoption of the sixth version of the Internet Protocol is robust (61% adoption rate), with a projected 57,000 domain names by 2023.

7. IoT Growth: The Kingdom witnesses a surge in Internet of Things (IoT) subscriptions, surpassing 12 million in 2023. Internet data volume exceeds 42 TB, averaging 44 GB per person monthly.

8. Social Media and App Preferences: Snapchat, WhatsApp, and YouTube dominate various age groups. Notable app downloads include shopping apps (Shein, Noon), games (Roblox, PUBG Mobile), and travel apps (Nusuk, Booking.com).

This comprehensive overview underscores the transformative impact of the internet on Saudi society and the nation's steadfast commitment to digital innovation and connectivity.