Saudi Arabia advances in 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index

This progress stems from a comprehensive transformation of the nation’s IP ecosystem, including the strengthening of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
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Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia advances in 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has made notable progress in the 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index, with its score rising by 17.5 percent, placing it among the fastest-improving economies out of the 55 countries evaluated.

According to the 13th edition of the index, published by the US Chamber of Commerce, the Kingdom now ranks 40th globally—a reflection of the substantial reforms driven by its Vision 2030 strategy. These reforms aim to enhance intellectual property protection, foster innovation, and support the growth of a knowledge-based economy.

Since 2019, Saudi Arabia’s overall score has increased from 36.6 percent to 53.7 percent in 2025, marking a cumulative improvement of over 40 percent in just six years.

This progress stems from a comprehensive transformation of the nation’s IP ecosystem, including the strengthening of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.

Key milestones noted in the report include the extension of design protection from 10 to 15 years, the establishment of a specialized prosecution office for IP-related cases, and the launch of advanced online enforcement tools for copyrights and trademarks.

These developments highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing institutional capacity and ongoing regulatory modernization, led by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.

The report also highlighted significant advancements in public awareness initiatives, inter-agency collaboration, and Saudi Arabia’s accession to key international intellectual property treaties. These developments have helped align the Kingdom’s IP framework more closely with global standards.

Notably, Saudi Arabia achieved higher scores in enforcement, international treaty participation, and the efficiency of its copyright enforcement system. These improvements reinforce the Kingdom’s ambition to become a regional and global center for innovation and creativity.

By fostering a more transparent and dependable intellectual property environment, Saudi Arabia is attracting increased foreign investment while also empowering local entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas, products, and technologies.

The US Chamber of Commerce commended the Kingdom’s efforts to institutionalize intellectual property rights as a core component of its economic diversification strategy, positioning Saudi Arabia as a model among emerging markets.

Meanwhile, the UAE also performed strongly in the 2025 index, ranking 26th globally with an overall score of 60.66 percent. The UAE was praised for its robust patent and trademark protections, consistent judicial enforcement, and strong commitment to digital transformation.


Non-hydrocarbon sector drives Qatar’s 2.9% growth in Q3 

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Non-hydrocarbon sector drives Qatar’s 2.9% growth in Q3 

RIYADH: Qatar’s real gross domestic product increased by 2.9 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2025, supported primarily by strong performance in the non-hydrocarbon sector, which recorded growth of 4.4 percent. 

Data released by the National Planning Council show that estimated GDP at constant prices reached 186.1 billion Qatari riyals ($51 billion) in the third quarter of 2025, up from 180.9 billion riyals during the same period last year, according to figures cited by the Qatar News Agency. 

This outcome is consistent with recent analysis by the International Monetary Fund, which noted that economies across the Gulf Cooperation Council are expected to sustain growth momentum despite heightened global uncertainty. The IMF attributed this resilience to robust non-oil activity, firm domestic demand, and the continued rollout of structural reforms across the region. 

The results also align with the IMF’s forecast that overall GCC output will accelerate to an average of 3.3 percent in 2025, compared with 1.7 percent in 2024, as member states gradually unwind oil production cuts agreed under the OPEC+ framework. 

According to QNA, non-hydrocarbon activities accounted for 65.5 percent of real GDP, with value added rising to 121.9 billion riyals in the third quarter of 2025, compared with 116.8 billion riyals in the corresponding period of 2024. This represents an annual increase of 4.4 percent and remains in line with the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. 

Within the non-hydrocarbon economy, construction, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as well as accommodation and food service activities, emerged as the fastest-growing sectors on an annual basis, expanding by 9.1 percent, 8.9 percent, and 6.4 percent, respectively. 

The statement added that this growth reflects stronger domestic demand, increased visitor activity, and the continued execution of infrastructure and public sector projects, with positive spillover effects across services and trade-related industries. 

NPC Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa said the results underscore “the strength of the Qatari economy and the continuation of the economic diversification path,” noting that real growth driven by non-hydrocarbon activities confirms the effectiveness of economic and development policies. He added that these policies are enhancing the contribution of productive and service sectors in line with the Third National Development Strategy and reinforcing the national economy’s capacity to achieve sustainable and balanced growth over the medium and long term. 

During the third quarter, 15 out of 17 economic activities recorded positive real growth, highlighting the breadth and resilience of Qatar’s economic base. 

The National Statistics Centre, which operates under the NPC, continues to enhance GDP measurement methodologies, with recent revisions applied to third quarter estimates. 

As part of broader efforts to align national accounts with international best practices, a comprehensive review of Qatar’s national accounts is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.