If you’ve been keeping an eye on the headlines—or just the massive transformation happening a short flight away—this news might not come as a total shock, but the numbers are definitely turning heads globally. For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia has been ranked as the world’s most trusted government.
The announcement came straight from the snowy peaks of Davos, Switzerland, where the global elite gathered for the World Economic Forum. According to the freshly released 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, the Kingdom isn’t just holding onto the top spot; it is setting the benchmark for what public confidence looks like in the modern age.
So, what’s the score? A massive 89 per cent of citizens reported that they trust their government to do what is right. That is a two-point jump from last year. In a world where public confidence in leadership can feel a bit shaky in many Western nations, that kind of stability is a serious flex for the region.
The “Virtuous Cycle” of Trust
Let’s be real for a second—why does a “trust score” actually matter? Is it just bragging rights?
Not quite. As the report points out, there is a direct link between how much people trust their leaders and how well the economy performs. It’s what experts call a “virtuous cycle.” When you believe the rules are fair, the leadership is competent, and the future is bright, you’re more likely to launch that startup, invest in that property, or move your family there.
For our friends in KSA, this isn’t hypothetical; it’s happening on the ground.
The report highlights that in high-trust environments like Saudi Arabia, people invest more and innovate boldly. They attract talent to the country and collaborate freely. It creates a sustainable economic momentum that benefits everyone. As Nasser bin Hamed Al-Ahmad noted in his analysis, investors operate with confidence because they know success will be protected. It’s a vibe we know well here in Dubai—when the leadership has a clear vision, the people get on board, and magic happens.
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Optimism is the New Normal
Perhaps the most telling stat from the 2026 report isn’t just about how people feel about the government today, but how they feel about tomorrow.
We live in a time where “uncertainty” is usually the word of the year. Yet, Saudi Arabia is flipping the script. Just last year, the Kingdom ranked first globally in future outlook, and the 2026 numbers back that up. A solid 69 per cent of Saudi citizens believe the next generation will be better off than they are.
To put that in perspective, that optimistic perspective stands in stark contrast to the less than 50 per cent seen in most other countries. While much of the world is worrying about whether their kids will have the same opportunities they did, Saudis are betting on a better future.
This wave of optimism is largely credited to Vision 2030. What started as a bold blueprint has turned into a tangible reality. We’re seeing it in the tourism numbers, the entertainment explosion (hello, Riyadh Season!), and the massive diversification away from oil. When people see actual, real results in their day-to-day lives—better jobs, new entertainment hubs, and global recognition—trust naturally skyrockets.
Davos Delivers the Verdict
The global launch event for the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer took place during the World Economic Forum, with Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, presenting this year’s findings. It puts the GCC firmly in the spotlight as a region that is getting governance right.
The panel discussion, moderated by Alan Murray, dived deep into why economies thrive when citizens trust their government. The findings suggested that countries with the highest trust levels also demonstrate strong economic growth and high optimism among the population. It’s an interesting, though not entirely shocking, truth: stability breeds success.
For the region and people
For us in the UAE, this is great news too. A thriving, stable, and trusted Saudi Arabia means a stronger Gulf region overall. We are seeing more collaboration than ever before.
It also signals to the international community that the Middle East is the place to be. While other regions grapple with political polarisation, the Gulf is focused on development, sustainability, and quality of life.
The report makes one thing crystal clear: trust isn’t built on speeches; it’s built on action. With the Kingdom entering the second half of the decade with such high public confidence, we can expect even bolder moves in infrastructure, tourism, and technology.
This trust creates an environment where failure is just a stepping stone to innovation, rather than a career-ender. It encourages people to take risks—whether that’s starting a new coffee shop in Al Khobar or launching a tech venture in Riyadh.
As we watch the transformation unfold, it’s a reminder that we live in one of the most dynamic regions on the planet, where “future-thinking” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s policy.
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