Saudi Quality of Life Program adds over SAR78 billion to economy in 2025
The Saudi Vision 2030 program also supported 387,000 jobs as tourism, entertainment, culture and sports recorded strong growth
Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program contributed more than SAR78 billion to the Kingdom’s economy in 2025, beating its annual target, according to the program’s latest report.
The Quality of Life Program, which is part of Saudi Vision 2030, had aimed to add SAR77.1 billion to the country’s gross domestic product. Its total economic contribution was higher than expected, showing strong progress across tourism, entertainment, culture, sports and city development.
Private investment linked to the program reached SAR21.8 billion during the year. The share of local products and services used in its projects increased to 44 per cent, well above the target of 37 per cent. The program also helped support 387,000 jobs by the end of 2025, an increase of 6.35 per cent from the previous year.
Global quality of life index attracts more than 90 cities
The program launched a global Quality of Life Index to help cities measure and improve the daily lives of their residents. More than 90 cities from 35 countries have joined the project, making it a growing international platform for city leaders and decision-makers.
The index has also been included in the strategic plan of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, known as UN-Habitat. Saudi Arabia said the project will help governments plan better cities while strengthening the Kingdom’s role in global discussions about urban life and sustainable development.
Saudi architectural styles support local identity
Saudi Arabia also made progress in improving the design of its cities and public spaces. One of the main projects was the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, launched by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The project includes 19 architectural styles based on the Kingdom’s different regions, landscapes and cultural traditions. It allows architects to create modern buildings while protecting the local identity of each area. Public satisfaction with municipal services reached 85 per cent, exceeding the target of 74 per cent.
The Furas investment platform connected 49 government organisations with private companies. It offered more than 19,000 investment opportunities, while contracts completed through the platform generated returns of more than SAR9 billion. The figures show the growing role of cooperation between the government and private sector in developing Saudi cities.
Saudi tourism spending crosses SAR53 billion
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry continued to grow during the year. More than 32 million local and international visitors travelled to destinations across the Kingdom during the Saudi Summer season, an increase of 26 per cent compared with the previous season.
Tourism spending during the season exceeded SAR53.2 billion, rising by 15 per cent. According to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s highest growth in international tourism income during the first quarter of 2025 when compared with the same period in 2019.
The number of international tourists visiting Saudi Arabia increased by 102 per cent during the first three months of 2025 compared with 2019. This was much higher than the global growth rate of 3 per cent and the Middle East growth rate of 44 per cent. The Kingdom ranked third in the world and second in the region for international tourist arrival growth.
Entertainment venues, events and businesses expand
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry grew to include 954 licensed venues and hosted 40 special entertainment events. Training and skills programs reached more than 42,000 people in 10 cities, helping workers prepare for jobs and business opportunities in the sector.
The program also helped 33 new companies through business incubators. Another 110 businesses received support through financing and loan guarantee programs, giving smaller companies more chances to enter and grow in the entertainment market.
New museums and cultural centres open
In the cultural sector, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy opened in Madinah. The Red Sea Museum also opened in Historic Jeddah, adding a new attraction that presents the region’s history, culture and connection with the sea.
Saudi Arabia recorded 6,314 days of cultural events during 2025, more than double the target of 3,010 days. The number of national heritage sites open to visitors also increased to 232, meeting the program’s target for the year.
More adults take part in physical activity
The report showed that 59.1 per cent of adults in Saudi Arabia took part in physical activity, exceeding the target of 55 per cent. The increase reflects growing public interest in exercise, community sports and healthier daily habits.
More than 230,000 people used the Sports for All platform, which includes over 9,000 sports groups. These groups give people in different cities and communities more opportunities to exercise, join activities and meet others with similar interests.
New 911 security centre opens in Madinah
The Unified Security Operations Center, which uses the emergency number 911, was opened in Madinah. It is the fourth centre of its kind in Saudi Arabia and brings the work of 28 control rooms under one system.
The centre connects security, government and public service agencies across the Madinah region. This allows different teams to share information and respond to emergencies more quickly and efficiently.
The Quality of Life Program said its 2025 results show continued progress towards the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to make Saudi cities safer, healthier, more attractive and enjoyable for citizens, residents and visitors, while also supporting economic growth and long-term development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the Saudi Quality of Life Program contribute in 2025?
The Saudi Quality of Life Program contributed more than SAR78 billion to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product in 2025. This was higher than its target of SAR77.1 billion.
How many jobs did the Quality of Life Program support?
The program supported about 387,000 jobs by the end of 2025. This represented an annual increase of 6.35 per cent.
How much private investment did the program attract?
Private investment linked to the Quality of Life Program reached SAR21.8 billion in 2025. The program also increased its local content rate to 44 per cent.
How did Saudi tourism perform in 2025?
More than 32 million domestic and international visitors travelled across Saudi Arabia during the Saudi Summer season. Tourism spending exceeded SAR53.2 billion.
What is the global Quality of Life Index?
The global Quality of Life Index is a Saudi-led project that helps cities measure and improve daily life for residents. More than 90 cities across 35 countries have joined the index.
How many cultural event days were recorded in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia recorded 6,314 cultural event days in 2025. This was more than double the annual target of 3,010 days.
How many adults in Saudi Arabia took part in physical activity?
The share of adults taking part in physical activity rose to 59.1 per cent. This was above the program’s target of 55 per cent.
What is the role of the Quality of Life Program in Saudi Vision 2030?
The program supports Saudi Vision 2030 by improving cities, public services, tourism, culture, entertainment, sports and safety. It also helps create jobs and attract private investment.