Saudi Arabia Surges into World’s Top 25 Happiest Countries, Ranks 2nd in Arab Region
Saudi Arabia has ranked 22nd in the 2026 World Happiness Report, making one of the most significant climbs in the report’s history.
Jumping 15 spots in a single year, Saudi Arabia’s new rank underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to improve the quality of life of citizens and residents under the revolutionary Vision 2030.
Based on data compiled by the Gallup World Poll, the World Happiness Report ranks countries according to how people evaluate their lives. It also analyzes factors such as social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and perceptions of corruption from 147 countries.
The 2026 World Happiness Report marks the UN International Day of Happiness on March 20. The report features collaboration between the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an editorial board.
In the 2026 report, Saudi Arabia scored an average life evaluation of 6.817 out of 10. The Kingdom’s new ranking surpasses several major economies, including the US (23), Canada (25), and the UK (29).
Meanwhile, Finland has maintained its position as the happiest country in the world for the 9th year in a row. Afghanistan is the unhappiest country in the world (147), just behind Sierra Leone (146), Malawi (145), Zimbabwe (144) and Botswana (143).
As for the Arab world, Saudi Arabia came in the second place, right after the UAE which held the 21st spot. Moreover, the Kingdom’s rise to 22nd puts it significantly ahead of other regional peers, with Kuwait trailing 18 places behind at 40th.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom launched the Quality of Life Program in 2018, aimed at enhancing the standards of living and liveability, and promoting various quality-of-life related sectors, including urban landscape, security, culture and heritage, sports, tourism, and entertainment.
