Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in the Global Happiness Index, moving from 37th place at baseline to 22nd place globally in 2025. This advancement is part of a targeted path to achieve the fifth position globally by 2030.
According to the report, the Kingdom's score in the index increased from 6.34 at baseline to 6.817 in 2025, achieving approximately 98% of the annual target value, with the 2030 target set at around 7.54.
Event Details
The Global Happiness Index is published by the Wellbeing Research Center at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Gallup International Foundation. This index measures levels of wellbeing and quality of life through a range of indicators related to health, income, social support, freedom, trust, and anti-corruption.
The progress made by the Kingdom reflects the positive impact of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs and their executive strategies in improving quality of life. These programs include enhancing healthcare services, expanding options for entertainment, culture, tourism, and sports, as well as preparing cities for physical activity and strengthening the legal environment.
Background & Context
Despite the notable progress, the report indicated challenges related to the accuracy and timeliness of some measurement data, particularly in the areas relied upon by the index publisher. The lack of updated data may affect the reading of the index, potentially not reflecting the actual extent of progress on the ground.
Among the examples mentioned in the report is the reliance on outdated data for healthy life expectancy, at a time when the Kingdom announced that the average life expectancy has reached 79.7 years. This underscores the importance of updating data and developing coordination mechanisms with international entities that publish indices.
Impact & Consequences
The annual Vision 2025 report confirmed that efforts are underway to monitor the index's performance in upcoming measurement cycles and to coordinate with the publisher to ensure data is current and accurate. This will help reflect the transformations occurring in the Kingdom regarding quality of life, public health, and community wellbeing.
This progress represents an extension of a broad national path led by Saudi Vision 2030. This path aims to transform wellbeing and quality of life indicators from theoretical goals into measurable outcomes through the integration of efforts among government entities and urban development.
Regional Significance
This achievement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens and serves as a model for the region. It also enhances the Kingdom's position in global indices, which may attract investments and tourism.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's advancement in the Global Happiness Index marks an important step towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030 and reflects the efforts made to improve the level of wellbeing and quality of life in the country.