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Saudi Arabia Regulatory Quality

Regulatory Quality  RQ.EST

Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality was 0.84 in 2025, ranked 45th globally. This represents a 61.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.

0.84 +0.32 (+61.7%)
Year 2025 Rank #45 Global Peak 0.84 (2025) Source World Bank WGI

Saudi Arabia Regulatory Quality (1996–2025)

Overview

Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality stood at 0.84 in 2025, a rise of +0.32 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.84 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 45th globally.

Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality has displayed a gradual improvement over the past quarter century, according to the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The country's score has risen from a low of -0.31 in 1996 to its current standing of 0.84, a 2.15-point increase that positions it at number 45 globally. This upward trajectory suggests a positive shift in the business environment, with a notable improvement in the country's regulatory framework. A comparison with peer countries reveals that Saudi Arabia lags behind leaders such as San Marino, which boasts a score of 0.99, but surpasses many developing nations. The country's closest regional counterpart, Georgia, boasts a higher score of 0.96, underscoring the need for further reform. With the current score of 0.84, Saudi Arabia continues to witness gradual improvements in regulatory quality, and any significant strides in governance and institutional reform would likely propel the country further up the global rankings.

Data & projection

Year Regulatory Quality YoY change Rank
2026* trend 0.97 - -
2025* trend 0.84 - -
2025 0.84 +0.32 #45
2023 0.52 +0.10 #61
2022 0.42 +0.09 #69
2021 0.32 +0.07 #72
2020 0.25 +0.34 #79
2019 -0.09 +0.00 #101
2018 -0.09 −0.07 #102
2017 -0.02 −0.08 #94
2016 0.06 +0.06 #87
2015 0.00 +0.01 #96
2014 -0.01 −0.09 #94
2013 0.08 −0.02 #90
2012 0.10 +0.07 #88
2011 0.02 −0.13 #91
2010 0.16 −0.00 #86
Show all years (1996-2025)
* Linear trend extrapolation

Detected Pattern

Export Boom Cycle
Current account surplus with strong export growth (>15% YoY), reserve accumulation, and moderate GDP growth. Typical of commodity exporters during price surges.
Reserves YoY +21.1% GDP growth 5.8% C/A balance 22.8%
Occurred 768 times, 546 successful
Reserves YoY
+25.6%
GDP growth
4.0%
C/A balance
14.5%
Reserves YoY
+14.6%
GDP growth
3.7%
C/A balance
2.9%
Reserves YoY
+12.8%
GDP growth
43.8%
C/A balance
16.4%
Reserves YoY
+12.6%
GDP growth
6.0%
C/A balance
0.5%
Reserves YoY
+38.3%
GDP growth
5.0%
C/A balance
1.2%
Reserves YoY
+18.0%
GDP growth
2.9%
C/A balance
3.9%

Analysis

Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality?▾

Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality was 0.84 in 2025. Ranked 45th globally. This represents a 61.7% increase from the previous year.

What was the highest regulatory quality in Saudi Arabia?▾

Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality peaked at 0.84 in 2025.

What was the lowest regulatory quality in Saudi Arabia?▾

The lowest regulatory quality in Saudi Arabia was -0.31 in 1996.

How does Saudi Arabia rank in regulatory quality?▾

Saudi Arabia ranks 45th globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.

What is the World Bank indicator code for regulatory quality?▾

The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.

What is the projected regulatory quality of Saudi Arabia in 2025?▾

Saudi Arabia's regulatory quality is projected to reach 0.84 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.

What is the regulatory quality of Saudi Arabia in 2025?▾

The regulatory quality of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 0.84. This ranks 45th in the world.

Cite this page

APA
Saudi Arabia Regulatory Quality. HistorySaid. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/regulatory-quality/
BibTeX
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_regulatory-quality, title = {Saudi Arabia Regulatory Quality}, url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/regulatory-quality/}, publisher = {HistorySaid}, year = {2026} }
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