RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has joined the elite group of countries in using the latest Internet Protocol version (IPv6), the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announced on Wednesday based on the index of Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). After registering a significant growth in the adoption of IPv6"s use, which is estimated to be 50 percent compared to the last year, Saudi Arabia is now among the world"s top 10 countries and ranks first in the Arab world and the Middle East region. The IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet protocols globally and is characterized by more efficient packet and data handling. It has introduced a number of improvements to increase performance and security for Internet users. The CITC explained that the noticeable growth in the adoption of IPv6 in the Kingdom began in the second quarter of 2020, after the success of the trials of activating this version on the mobile phone network, highlighting its efforts to prepare a clear strategy for the adoption of the IPv6 and its keenness to raise awareness of its importance. As part of its efforts as a digital regulator to bring about strategic transformation in the sector, the commission called on the relevant authorities to adopt emerging technologies, like IPv6, to improve service quality. The CITC also indicated that the rank demonstrates the maturity of the information technology infrastructure in the Kingdom, and is the result of the formation of a national work team (IPv6 task force). The task force, which included a number of government and private agencies with the aim of exchanging experiences and unifying efforts to achieve strategic goals to support the adoption of this version in the Kingdom, organized a number of workshops, conferences, and training programs presented by local and international specialists in the IPv6. The task force also demonstrated its keenness to follow up the plans of licensed operators to activate this version for all Internet users in Saudi Arabia. It called on government and private agencies to activate this version in the electronic services available to take advantage of its features, as part of its role in supervising the Internet in the Kingdom and its adoption of modern technologies, noting that the authorities can use the guide issued by the CITC to support and enable the IPv6 available through its website.