Saudi Arabia
Last updated May 3, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Progressing readiness
Saudi Arabia shows progressing readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (78th 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
- 78th
- Global rank
- #40
- Regional rank
- #4
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Saudi Arabia performs close to the global average across all GEFRI dimensions. Progress is evident, yet stronger ambition is needed to reach futures readiness among global peers.
All or most indicators are based on observed data, giving planners a dependable evidence base for decisions. 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.
R&D investment remains modest, affecting long-term 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.
Key insights
- Sits above the global median at the 78th percentile.
- Places 40th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 4th within Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan.
- Scores range from Access & Parity (88.7) to Innovation (49.7), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1 | Israel | 75.23 |
| 34 | 2 | United Arab Emirates | 69.71 |
| 39 | 3 | Malta | 64.21 |
| 40 | 4 | Saudi Arabia | 63.55 |
| 54 | 5 | Qatar | 60.46 |
| 61 | 6 | Bahrain | 58.25 |
| 62 | 7 | Kuwait | 58.12 |
| 65 | 8 | Jordan | 57.78 |
| 72 | 9 | Oman | 56.69 |
| 81 | 10 | Morocco | 53.73 |
| 87 | 11 | Tunisia | 51.97 |
| 92 | 12 | Iran, Islamic Rep. | 50.99 |
| 96 | 13 | Egypt, Arab Rep. | 49.51 |
| 103 | 14 | West Bank and GazaFCS | 47.39 |
| 114 | 15 | Algeria | 39.83 |
| 116 | 16 | Djibouti | 38.35 |
| 123 | 17 | LebanonFCS | 35.73 |
| 130 | 18 | IraqFCS | 33.38 |
| 132 | 19 | LibyaFCS | 33.17 |
| 149 | 20 | Syrian Arab RepublicFCS | 27.30 |
| 154 | 21 | Yemen, Rep.FCS | 25.51 |