Saudi Arabia Rises to 13th in Global Competitiveness

Saudi Arabia has advanced to 13th place globally among 70 economies in the 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook, ranking third among G20 economies after the United States and China. The Kingdom climbed four positions from 17th in the previous edition.

The ranking measures four broad areas: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia stood ahead of all other G20 economies in both government efficiency and business efficiency, underscoring the pace of reforms shaping the local economy.

Across specific indicators, the Kingdom placed 3rd globally for the creation of firms, 4th for equal opportunity, and 7th for large corporations. These results point to a business environment that is becoming easier to enter and operate within, while widening access for a broader range of participants.

Why it matters

For residents and expats, stronger competitiveness scores often translate into a more dynamic job market, greater investment activity, and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The high placement for the creation of firms is a positive signal for anyone considering launching a venture in the Kingdom.

The improvement reflects ongoing efforts to modernise government services and streamline the way businesses are established and run. As Saudi Arabia continues to build on these gains, the wider community across cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam stands to benefit from a growing and increasingly diverse economy.

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