Saudi Arabia Rises to 13th in 2026 IMD Competitiveness

Saudi Arabia has advanced to 13th place globally among 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, climbing four positions from 17th the previous year and cementing its standing as one of the world's fastest-improving economies.

The Kingdom ranked third among G20 economies, placing it behind only the United States and China. The results reflect steady progress across the four pillars measured by the ranking: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

Where the Kingdom gained ground

Business Efficiency rose three places to 9th globally, while Infrastructure improved from 31st to 28th. Notably, Saudi Arabia ranked third worldwide for firm creation, a result attributed to simplified requirements, streamlined procedures, and greater automation for setting up businesses.

These gains matter to residents and the wider community because they point to an environment where launching and running a business is becoming faster and less complex. For entrepreneurs and expat professionals alike, easier company formation and stronger business efficiency can translate into more job opportunities and a broader range of services across the market.

The improvement adds to the momentum behind the Kingdom's ongoing economic transformation, as continued investment in infrastructure and government services supports a more competitive and business-friendly landscape.

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