Saudi Quality Of Life Progress: Cities Of Possibility Report Highlights Vision 2030 Urban Growth

Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program Center has issued a new report showing strong gains in urban living, economic performance, and social development under Saudi Vision 2030. The study, titled "Cities of Possibility: The Evolution of Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia," reviews conditions in five major cities and tracks progress against national targets.

The report covers Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Madinah, and Abha, and is based on large-scale surveys of citizens, residents, and visitors. Using this feedback, the center assesses how far the Kingdom has moved toward people-focused cities that combine opportunity, safety, and leisure within sustainable, well-planned environments.

A new assessment framework sits at the core of the study and measures urban success through four linked pillars. These are Prosperity and Opportunity, Personal and Social Growth, Lifestyle and Recreation, and Sustainable and Safe Foundations. Together, they offer a structured way to evaluate how Saudi cities are changing under Saudi Vision 2030.

The Quality of Life Program Center describes the report as a detailed, data-based review of urban change across the Kingdom. It shows that many quality of life indicators have already moved beyond original Vision 2030 expectations. The document highlights human-centred planning as a key feature of the Kingdom’s recent urban policies.

Economic indicators receive strong attention in the report. The national unemployment rate almost halves, dropping from 12.3% in 2016 to 6.8% in the first quarter of 2025. Female participation in the labour market also rises sharply, reaching 36.4% in Q1 2025 and passing the Vision 2030 goal of 30% well ahead of schedule.

The report notes parallel progress in investment and infrastructure supporting Saudi quality of life. A 67% year-on-year jump in investment licences helps move Saudi Arabia to 13th worldwide in the 2025 Kearney FDI Confidence Index. These results underline the role of diversified economic activity in improving living standards within major Saudi cities.

Human development and digital indicators also improve during the period reviewed. Life expectancy in the Kingdom advances from 74 to 79 years. At the same time, rapid digital transformation lifts Saudi Arabia to 2nd place among G20 members in the ITU’s 2024 ICT Regulatory Tracker Index, reflecting stronger digital regulation and wider technology adoption.

The report links better Saudi quality of life to expanded tourism and entertainment investment worth around one trillion dollars at national level. New facilities and events have increased access to culture, sport, and leisure. International competitions, including the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Esports World Cup, and the Dakar Rally, strengthen the country’s position as a global visitor destination.

The Quality of Life Program Center also links these gains to hosting rights for future global events. The report notes that the strong track record with major competitions supports preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, both expected to further enhance services and infrastructure in host cities.

Quality of Life Program Center CEO Khalid AlBaker highlights the wider impact of these developments on Saudi quality of life and social resilience. AlBaker states that "quality of life is a strategic national priority and the engine for strengthening social cohesion, attracting global talent, and ensuring sustainable prosperity."

AlBaker further notes that the current momentum reflects leadership priorities. He added that the tangible progress achieved is a direct result of the leadership’s commitment to placing human beings at the center of development. The report concludes that these shifts are already reshaping urban experiences in Saudi cities covered by Saudi Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA