Saudi Arabia Rises to 13th in Global Competitiveness

Saudi Arabia has ranked 13th globally and third among G20 economies in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, which assessed 70 economies worldwide. The result marks an improvement of four positions compared with 17th place in 2025, and continues a steady climb from 36th place in 2017.

The Kingdom recorded gains across all four main pillars measured by the index. Economic performance rose to 12th globally, up from 17th, while government efficiency also reached 12th. Business efficiency entered the global top 10 at 9th place, and infrastructure improved to 28th, up from 31st.

Several sub-indicators showed particularly strong results. Saudi Arabia placed third worldwide in the creation of firms, linked to streamlined and automated business startup procedures and reduced requirements. It ranked fourth globally in equal opportunity and in societal access to artificial intelligence, fifth in corporate AI investment and AI trust, and seventh in AI skills for the business sector.

Why it matters

The improvement reflects gains in international trade, employment, business legislation and tax policy, alongside a stronger business environment and investment climate supported by pro-business reforms and Vision 2030 initiatives. For residents and business owners in Riyadh, Jeddah and across the Kingdom, easier company formation and a more competitive market can mean faster access to opportunities and a smoother path to launching or growing a business.

The 2026 ranking is based on 92 survey questions and 172 pieces of quantitative data across participating economies, offering a broad measure of each country's ability to create and sustain a competitive environment.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving