Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness improved four places in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, ranking 13th among 70 economies and third in the G20.
The International Institute for Management Development published the ranking in June 2026. IMD assessed economies across economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia improved across all four main factors. It also advanced in 15 of the 20 sub-factors measured by the yearbook.
Economic performance and government efficiency both rose to 12th globally. Business efficiency improved to ninth, while infrastructure advanced to 28th.
The Saudi Ministry of Investment said the result reflected global confidence in the Kingdom’s investment environment.
The ministry said the ranking reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position as an investment destination.
Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi said the result reflected progress under Saudi Vision 2030. He linked the improvement to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic growth and competitiveness goals.
IMD said Saudi Arabia posted notable gains in international trade, employment and business legislation.
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The Kingdom ranked in the global top three across 17 criteria. These included commercial services export growth, terms of trade, banking and financial services, cybersecurity and internet users per 1,000 people.
Saudi Arabia also placed in the global top 10 in 74 sub-indicators out of 262 total indicators.
