Saudi Arabia has achieved top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing competitiveness and strengthening its position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship.
The report emphasizes strong performance across key indicators, including access to finance, entrepreneurial activity, and institutional support. These results reflect sustained efforts to build a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia also ranked first among high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, demonstrating the effectiveness of its financial tools in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In addition, the Kingdom secured third place globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), positioning it as one of the world’s top destinations for entrepreneurial investment and growth.
The report further shows significant expansion in early-stage business activity, with Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) increasing from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025.
Saudi Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial intentions have also grown substantially, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same period.
This upward trajectory reflects increasing confidence among individuals to start businesses, supported by favourable market conditions and access to resources.
Saudi Arabia’s progress is also evident in the academic sector, where the Kingdom climbed from 53rd to seventh place globally in university-based entrepreneurship.
The improvement signals growing alignment between education institutions and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to innovation and startup development.
The report attributes these achievements to coordinated efforts between government entities, the private sector and academic institutions.
Key contributors include the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at), which has played a central role in supporting SME development and enhancing the business environment.
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