Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia: Research & development spending as a share of GDP was 0.6% in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Saudi Arabia, 2003–2024
Source: UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of GDP.
Analysis
In 2024, research & development spending as a share of gdp in Saudi Arabia stood at 0.6%.
The figure is up 28.4% on the previous year and down 19.7% over ten years.
Over the whole period, research & development spending as a share of gdp in Saudi Arabia peaked at 0.9% in 2011 and was at its lowest, 0.0%, in 2005.
Saudi Arabia ranks 55th of 116 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 7 |
| 2010s | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.9% | 4 |
| 2020s | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 5 |
Countries ranked near Saudi Arabia
More science & technology data for Saudi Arabia
- Scientific and technical journal articles 24,595 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 54.18 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 159.54 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 159.54 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 2,581 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 100.0% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 1,398 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.6% (2024)
- Number of people using the Internet 31.33 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 44.07 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is research & development spending as a share of gdp in Saudi Arabia?
- Research & development spending as a share of gdp in Saudi Arabia was 0.6% in 2024, according to UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Saudi Arabia?
- The highest recorded value was 0.9% in 2011.
- What is the lowest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Saudi Arabia?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.0% in 2005.
- How does Saudi Arabia rank for research & development spending as a share of gdp?
- Saudi Arabia ranks 55th out of 116 countries with data for 2024.
- Is research & development spending as a share of gdp rising or falling in Saudi Arabia?
- Over the last ten years it is down 19.7%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Saudi Arabia data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Research & development spending as a share of GDP. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Includes basic research, applied research, and experimental development.