In a striking leap, Riyadh has surged 60 positions over the past three years to secure the 23rd spot among the world’s top 100 emerging startup ecosystems, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 by Startup Genome in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
Key Indicators Behind the Rise
- Regional Rank: Riyadh now stands as the third most prominent startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in terms of funding volume and investment-to-impact ratio.
- Global Talent: The city is ranked fourth globally in talent availability, underlining its ability to attract and nurture entrepreneurial expertise.
- Sector Momentum: Riyadh’s growth has been powered by emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, infrastructure, and digital health.
Fueling the Ecosystem: Government & Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative provides a strategic foundation for the ecosystem’s expansion, led by proactive institutions like Monsha’at (the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority). These entities bolster the entrepreneurial landscape through regulatory reforms, funding support, and accelerator programs.
Khaled Sharbatly, Chair of the National Entrepreneurship Committee, commented that “Saudi Arabia has made significant strides to support innovation, drive economic diversification, and empower a new generation of entrepreneurs.” Startup Genome’s MENA managing director, Samantha Evans, described the Gulf region as a space where “ambition, alignment, and execution converge.”
Ecosystem Metrics & Growth Drivers
| Metric | Riyadh’s Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | 23rd among emerging ecosystems |
| Climb from 2022 | +60 places |
| Regional standing (MENA) | 2nd in overall performance; 3rd in funding impact |
| Talent availability globally | 4th |
| Key growth sectors | AI, fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, digital health |
| VC Funding since 2018 | Over $2.6 billion to Saudi startups |
Riyadh also posted one of the largest exits, including the $1.1 billion sale of insurtech firm Rasan, boosting its global performance ranking.
What This Means for Riyadh and the Region
This rapid ascent places Riyadh as a global innovation contender, attracting global investors, multinational companies, and entrepreneurial talent. The city is increasingly seen as a national capital and launchpad for GCC-wide opportunity.
With steady investment in infrastructure, continued policy reforms, and a growing startup culture, Riyadh is charting a course towards the global top 20(and perhaps even the top 10) by 2030.
