Saudi Arabia R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Saudi Arabia's r&d spending was 0.39% in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 31.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2003–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's r&d spending stood at 0.39% in 2025, a decline of +0.18% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.39% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 51st globally.
Saudi Arabia's research and development (R&D) spending has undergone significant fluctuations over the past 16 years, with a marked increase in investment. The country's all-time peak of 0.89% in 2011 marked a notable shift, although it declined to 0.39% by 2025. This decrease from the peak represents a reversal of the trend, with R&D spending as a percentage of GDP now ranking 51 globally. Notably, North Macedonia has maintained a comparable level of investment, with a ranking of 50 globally. Saudi Arabia's R&D spending has historically been lower than that of its peer countries, such as Oman and Macao SAR, China, which have invested 0.36% and 0.36%, respectively. The decline in R&D spending may be attributed to various factors, including shifting economic priorities or changes in government policies. A sustained increase in investment in education and innovation would be necessary to alter the trajectory of Saudi Arabia's R&D spending and improve its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.35% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.39% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.39% | −0.18% | #51 |
| 2023 | 0.56% | +0.10% | #8 |
| 2022 | 0.46% | +0.02% | #47 |
| 2021 | 0.44% | −0.06% | #54 |
| 2020 | 0.50% | −0.31% | #53 |
| 2013 | 0.81% | −0.06% | #38 |
| 2012 | 0.87% | −0.02% | #34 |
| 2011 | 0.89% | +0.01% | #35 |
| 2010 | 0.88% | +0.81% | #32 |
| 2009 | 0.07% | +0.02% | #88 |
| 2008 | 0.05% | +0.00% | #92 |
| 2007 | 0.05% | +0.00% | #93 |
| 2006 | 0.04% | +0.00% | #83 |
| 2005 | 0.04% | −0.01% | #87 |
| 2004 | 0.05% | −0.01% | #89 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's r&d spending was 0.39% in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 31.5% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's r&d spending peaked at 0.89% in 2011.
The lowest r&d spending in Saudi Arabia was 0.04% in 2005.
Saudi Arabia ranks 51st globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.39% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 0.39%. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_rd-spending,
title = {Saudi Arabia R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}