Riyadh: The Quality of Life Program Center has released its latest report, “Cities of Possibility: The Evolution of Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia.”
Based on surveys of citizens, residents, and visitors, the report provides a detailed look at the Kingdom’s progress in building human-centric urban environments under Vision 2030.
Focusing on Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, Madinah, and Abha, the report introduces a pioneering assessment framework, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The model evaluates urban success across four pillars: prosperity and opportunity, personal and social growth, lifestyle and recreation, and sustainable and safe foundations.
It offers a data-driven analysis of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, highlighting milestones that surpass many original Vision 2030 targets, the SPA added.
Economically, the labor market has improved dramatically, with unemployment falling from 12.3 percent in 2016 to 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
Women’s economic empowerment has surged, with female workforce participation reaching 36.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the 2030 target of 30 percent, the report stated.
Beyond the labor market, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position in investment and infrastructure. A 67 percent year-on-year increase in investment licenses helped the Kingdom rank 13th globally in the 2025 Kearney FDI Confidence Index.
These economic gains are matched by improvements in human development: life expectancy has risen from 74 to 79 years, and rapid digital transformation puts the Kingdom second among G20 nations in the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 ICT Regulatory Tracker Index.
With a trillion-dollar national investment in the tourism and entertainment sectors, the Kingdom has greatly expanded access to world-class culture, sports, and leisure.
Hosting the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Esports World Cup, and the Dakar Rally has cemented the Kingdom’s global reputation, paving the way for mega-events such as Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Quality of Life Program Center CEO Khalid Al-Baker highlighted the strategic importance of these developments, saying that quality of life is a national priority and a driver for social cohesion, global talent attraction, and sustainable prosperity.
Al-Baker said this progress reflects the leadership’s commitment to putting people at the center of development.
