Riyadh: The Quality of Life Program Center has released its latest report, "Cities of Possibility: The Evolution of Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia." Drawing on extensive surveys of citizens, residents, and visitors, the report provides a comprehensive look at the Kingdom's progress in creating thriving, human-centric urban environments under Saudi Vision 2030.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the report focuses on five major cities-Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Madinah, and Abha-and introduces a pioneering assessment framework. This model evaluates urban success through four interconnected pillars: Prosperity and Opportunity, Personal and Social Growth, Lifestyle and Recreation, and Sustainable and Safe Foundations.
The report provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the Kingdom's transformation, showcasing key milestones that have surpassed many of the original Vision 2030 benchmarks. Economically, the Kingdom has seen a significant improvement in the labor market, with the unemployment rate nearly halving from 12.3% in 2016 to just 6.8% by the first quarter of 2025. This progress is bolstered by a rise in women's economic empowerment; female workforce participation reached 36.4% in Q1 2025, exceeding the 30% target set for 2030.
Beyond the labor market, the Kingdom is rapidly solidifying its position as a global leader in investment and infrastructure. A 67% year-on-year increase in investment licenses helped propel Saudi Arabia to 13th globally in the 2025 Kearney FDI Confidence Index. These economic gains are mirrored by improvements in human development; life expectancy has risen from 74 to 79 years, while digital transformation has placed the Kingdom 2nd among G20 nations in the ITU's 2024 ICT Regulatory Tracker Index.
With a trillion-dollar national investment in the tourism and entertainment sectors, the Kingdom has expanded access to culture, sports, and leisure. Successful hosting of events like the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Esports World Cup, and the Dakar Rally has enhanced the Kingdom's reputation as a global destination, paving the way for upcoming mega-events, including Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Quality of Life Program Center CEO Khalid AlBaker emphasized the strategic importance of these developments, stating that quality of life is a strategic national priority and the engine for strengthening social cohesion, attracting global talent, and ensuring sustainable prosperity. 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.