Saudi Arabia Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Saudi Arabia's rule of law was 0.50 in 2025, ranked 66th globally. This represents a 20.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's rule of law stood at 0.50 in 2025, a rise of +0.08 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.50 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 66th globally.
Saudi Arabia's Rule of Law index has shown a gradual improvement over the past two and a half decades, with the latest reading standing at 0.50, placing the country at 66th globally. This modest progress is a significant departure from the trough recorded in 2000, when the index plummeted to an all-time low of -0.17. Despite this recovery, Saudi Arabia still lags behind some of its regional peers, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, which boasts a higher score of 0.51. The current reading of 0.50 represents an all-time peak for the country, underscoring the steady advancements made in this area. The index's steady climb since 1996 suggests a positive trajectory, but continued reforms and institutional strengthening will be necessary to sustain and enhance this progress. A significant shift in the trajectory could be triggered by the implementation of comprehensive judicial and legislative reforms, which would be essential to further boost the country's Rule of Law index and enhance its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.56 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.50 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.50 | +0.08 | #66 |
| 2023 | 0.41 | +0.12 | #74 |
| 2022 | 0.29 | +0.08 | #84 |
| 2021 | 0.21 | −0.01 | #85 |
| 2020 | 0.22 | +0.07 | #83 |
| 2019 | 0.15 | +0.03 | #85 |
| 2018 | 0.12 | +0.04 | #85 |
| 2017 | 0.08 | −0.24 | #88 |
| 2016 | 0.32 | +0.22 | #77 |
| 2015 | 0.10 | −0.04 | #83 |
| 2014 | 0.13 | −0.02 | #76 |
| 2013 | 0.15 | +0.01 | #86 |
| 2012 | 0.14 | +0.10 | #82 |
| 2011 | 0.05 | −0.10 | #85 |
| 2010 | 0.15 | +0.10 | #79 |
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 rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's rule of law was 0.50 in 2025. Ranked 66th globally. This represents a 20.5% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's rule of law peaked at 0.50 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Saudi Arabia was -0.17 in 2000.
Saudi Arabia ranks 66th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Saudi Arabia's rule of law is projected to reach 0.50 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 0.50. This ranks 66th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_rule-of-law,
title = {Saudi Arabia Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}