Saudi Arabia Ranks 22nd in World Happiness 2026

Saudi Arabia has recorded a notable rise in the World Happiness Report 2026, ranking 22nd globally out of 147 countries surveyed this year. The Kingdom achieved a life evaluation score of 6.817 out of 10.

The result marks a jump of 15 places compared with the previous edition, in which Saudi Arabia was placed 32nd. This is one of the most significant year-on-year improvements recorded by the Kingdom in the index.

Regionally, Saudi Arabia was ranked second across the Middle East and North Africa. It finished just behind the United Arab Emirates, which took the 21st spot globally, keeping the two neighbouring countries close together near the top of the regional standings.

Why it matters

The World Happiness Report measures how people evaluate their own lives, drawing on factors such as income, social support, health, freedom, and community. A higher placement reflects improving perceptions of quality of life among residents.

For the millions of citizens and expatriates living in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the climb points to positive trends in daily living conditions and public services. The advance also aligns with wider national efforts to raise living standards and enhance wellbeing across the Kingdom.

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