Saudi Arabia secures leading GEM rankings, reinforcing its position as premier global entrepreneurship hub

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship. The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth. Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1 percent in 2018 to 28.9 percent in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8 percent to 48.5 percent over the same period. This growth is mirrored in the academic sector, where the Kingdom climbed from 53rd to seventh place globally in university-based entrepreneurship. The report also highlighted progress in university-based entrepreneurship, with the Kingdom achieving seventh place globally in 2025, compared to 53rd place in 2018. This reflects the accelerating role of educational institutions in supporting innovation and fostering an entrepreneurial culture, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. These results confirm the Kingdom’s continued growth in entrepreneurial activity and the rising level of individual confidence, alongside a strong financial and regulatory environment, all of which contribute to enhancing the sustainability of business growth and boosting competitiveness. The National Context for Entrepreneurship Index (NECI) is a key indicator within the GEM report, led by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in partnership with international academic institutions, including Babson College and London Business School. In the Kingdom, the index is implemented by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Management and Entrepreneurship (MBSC), in collaboration with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at). These milestones result from integrated efforts between government entities like the Monsha’at, the private sector, and academic institutions, supporting the development of an advanced entrepreneurial environment that aligns with global best practices and strengthens the Kingdom’s readiness for continued growth and innovation.