Saudi Arabia
Last updated April 1, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Progressing readiness
Saudi Arabia shows progressing readiness (79th percentile worldwide). Reforms are translating into broader capability, though uneven performance continues to slow system-wide alignment. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 79th
- Global rank
- #39
- Regional rank
- #3
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Saudi Arabia shows strong future-readiness momentum, with clear strengths in Infrastructure (79, 97th percentile).
Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation. Strong tertiary enrollment expands future talent pipelines and strengthens national innovation potential.
Gender parity leans toward boys in secondary pathways, signalling persistent barriers for girls.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.
Areas with room to grow: Governance (52, 65th percentile). These dimensions sit close to global norms and could accelerate quickly with targeted investment.
Note: Several indicators use imputed values. Policymakers and planners should validate results further before committing to major initiatives.
Key insights
- Sits above the global median at the 79th percentile.
- Places 39th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 3rd within Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan.
- Scores range from Access & Parity (83.7) to Innovation (51.8), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Leads regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Composite GEFRI score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1 | Israel | 73.92 |
| 26 | 2 | United Arab Emirates | 70.36 |
| 39 | 3 | Saudi Arabia | 65.52 |
| 40 | 4 | Malta | 64.28 |
| 57 | 5 | Kuwait | 59.77 |
| 59 | 6 | Qatar | 58.36 |
| 60 | 7 | Jordan | 58.06 |
| 64 | 8 | Bahrain | 57.37 |
| 76 | 9 | Oman | 54.61 |
| 78 | 10 | Morocco | 53.83 |
| 92 | 11 | Iran, Islamic Rep. | 50.45 |
| 95 | 12 | Egypt, Arab Rep. | 49.67 |
| 97 | 13 | Tunisia | 49.07 |
| 99 | 14 | West Bank and GazaFCS | 47.12 |
| 114 | 15 | Algeria | 38.86 |
| 122 | 16 | Djibouti | 36.23 |
| 124 | 17 | LebanonFCS | 35.78 |
| 128 | 18 | IraqFCS | 34.68 |
| 129 | 19 | LibyaFCS | 34.45 |
| 141 | 20 | Pakistan | 29.51 |
| 149 | 21 | Syrian Arab RepublicFCS | 27.28 |
| 158 | 22 | Yemen, Rep.FCS | 23.14 |
| 170 | 23 | AfghanistanFCS | 18.18 |