In a global ranking of 173 cities, two major cities in Saudi Arabia  — Riyadh and Jeddah — have made an improvement in their status on the Global Liveability Index, an annual report by the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Economist Group. The assessment of these cities considered various factors, including stability, culture and environment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The index fell under the theme of Optimism Amid Instability, which delved into the restoration of order following the Covid-19 pandemic and the advancements achieved by developing countries.

In comparison to the 2022 edition of the report, this year’s findings reveal that Riyadh has ascended three positions, securing the 103rd spot, while Jeddah has advanced by four places, now ranked 107th.

In 2018, the kingdom initiated the Quality of Life Program for individuals, families, and communities across the country to elevate the kingdom’s cities to be among the top 100 most livable cities globally by 2030.

The kingdom demonstrates progress in its pursuit of these goals. In 2022, Saudi Arabia secured the third position as the happiest country in the Arab world, according to the World Happiness Report. Additionally, the country welcomed 67 million visitors in 2021, highlighting tourism’s crucial role in its diversified economy.