Quality of Life Report Tracks Progress Across Five Saudi Cities

The Quality of Life Program Center released its latest report, “Cities of Possibility: The Evolution of Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia,” mapping urban progress in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, Madinah and Abha. The publication outlines a framework that assesses four pillars across city systems: prosperity and opportunity, personal and social growth, lifestyle and recreation, and sustainable and safe foundations. Built on surveys of citizens, residents and visitors, the report sets out the extent of change across services, infrastructure and lived experience under Vision 2030.

The report highlights a shift in the labour market, noting that unemployment declined from 12.3% in 2016 to 6.8% in the first quarter of 2025. It adds that women’s economic participation reached 36.4% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the 30% target set for 2030. It cites a 67% year-on-year increase in investment licences and places the Kingdom 13th globally in the 2025 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index. These economic indicators are presented alongside findings on urban services and opportunities linked to the four-pillar framework.

Human development and digital governance metrics are also detailed. According to the report, life expectancy has risen from 74 to 79 years. It further records rapid digital transformation, with Saudi Arabia ranked second among Group of Twenty members in the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 information and communications technology Regulatory Tracker Index.

The publication references expanded access to culture, sports and leisure supported by a national investment in tourism and entertainment. It lists major hosted events including the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Esports World Cup and the Dakar Rally, and states that Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup are scheduled.