Business · Economy · 13 hrs ago
85% of surveyed Saudis say their country is moving in the right direction
The fifth Future Investment Initiative Priorities Index surveyed people in Saudi Arabia and 31 other countries.
85% of respondents in Saudi Arabia said the country is moving in the right direction, giving it the third-highest result, behind Vietnam and China.
83% said they trust Saudi government bodies during crises, the highest share among the countries surveyed.
The index also found that 75% see starting a business as possible for people like them, though this reflects opinions rather than actual business activity.
Living costs and unemployment remain major concerns, named by 54% and 43% of respondents respectively.
Many respondents were optimistic about digital technology, while most also supported global rules for artificial intelligence and opposed AI making final decisions in sensitive areas.
A survey found that 85% of participants in Saudi Arabia believe the country is moving in the right direction.
Saudi Arabia ranked third among 32 countries on this measure, behind Vietnam and China.
The fifth edition of the Future Investment Initiative Priorities Index 2026 also found that 83% trust Saudi government agencies during crises, the highest share among the countries surveyed.
The survey identified cost of living and unemployment as leading concerns, cited by 54% and 43% of participants respectively.
It also found strong support for business opportunities and digital technology, with 75% saying starting a business was accessible to people like them.
- Who
- Participants in Saudi Arabia surveyed for the Future Investment Initiative Priorities Index 2026.
- What
- 85% said Saudi Arabia is moving in the right direction.
- When
- The index results were reported on 29 October 2026.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia; the index covered 32 countries.
- Why
- Not stated.
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- Right direction
- 85% of participants in Saudi Arabia
- Global ranking
- Third among 32 countries, after Vietnam and China
- Government trust in crises
- 83%, the highest share among surveyed countries
- Cost of living
- Selected by 54% among the top three concerns
- Unemployment
- Selected by 43% among the top three concerns
- Business access
- 75% said starting a business was accessible to people like them