JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has reached a key milestone in the global startup scene, with Riyadh climbing 60 places in just three years to rank 23rd among the top 100 emerging ecosystems, according to new data.
The 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, published by Startup Genome in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, highlights the city’s transformation into a “launchpad into the $2+ trillion GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) market.”
Riyadh also ranks third in the Middle East and North Africa for funding, reflecting a sharp rise in deal volume.
Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, driven by Vision 2030, strong government support, and rising investor interest.
Riyadh’s emergence as a leading innovation hub and strategic gateway to the broader GCC market reflects the Kingdom’s ambitions to diversify its economy, attract global talent, and foster high-growth sectors, including fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
