FY 2024 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | May 2025 Acknowledgements The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Saudi Arabia) Country Opinion Survey is part of the Country Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Kuwait country team and the independent field agency, ARA International for Research and Consultancy Co. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Saleh Alobaidi (External Affairs Officer), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Kuwait City, Kuwait. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Saudi Arabia World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Saudi Arabia Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) better understand how stakeholders in Saudi Arabia perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Attitudes Toward the WBG: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? What are the key stakeholders’ opinions of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Saudi Arabia’s development priorities, and other key indicators? 2. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 3. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Saudi Arabia? 4. WBG Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Saudi Arabia? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG knowledge products? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 5. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 38% ▪ Fielded June – September 2024 Private Sector 30% ▪ 188 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Office of Minister 10% ▪ Respondents filled out the questionnaire online ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 8% supplemented by the field agency ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Media 5% ▪ 40 participants (21% response rate) Local Government Office or Staff 3% ▪ 33% currently collaborate with the WBG Civil Society Organization 3% Academia / Universities / Research 3% Centers / Think Tanks Other 3% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? Q (Select only 1 response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=40) 5 6 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “The World Bank Group must have effective cooperation and needs to have a clear presence in the corporate, government, private sector and civil society sectors to show the culture. The World Bank Group needs to advertise because we only hear about it in the news. If they do free educational courses, even online, communicate with ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The World Bank has never done something like the United Nations that allows employees to participate with them for a certain period. They can draw employees to work with them and thus transfer expertise to their field of work.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) Key Performance Indicators Respondents gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s Alignment with development alignment with Saudi Arabia’s development priorities. priorities 6.7 They also gave rather positive ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in helping Saudi Arabia achieve development results, having a positive influence on Effectiveness in helping KSA 6.4 shaping development policy, and the WBG’s relevance achieve results regrading the country’s development. Familiarity with the WBG received the lowest rating among respondents. Positive influence on shaping 6.3 development policy Relevant role in development 6.2 Familiarity with the Bank 6.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Saudi Arabia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How effective is the WBG in helping Saudi Arabia achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Saudi Arabia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Saudi Arabia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 7 How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group (WBG) in Saudi Arabia? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar The WBG’s Key Performance Indicators in Saudi Arabia Compared to Other Countries in the Region Surveyed in FY24 Ratings among Saudi Arabian respondents tended to be lower than those among UAE respondents but more positive than those of Kuwaiti respondents. Of note, of all three countries, Saudi Arabian respondents reported the lowest levels of familiarity with the WBG. 6.7 Alignment with development priorities 6.0 6.9 6.4 Effectiveness in helping country achieve 5.6 results 7.9 6.3 Saudi Arabia FY24 Positive influence on shaping development 5.7 policy 7.0 Kuwait FY24 6.2 UAE FY24 Relevant role in development 5.6 6.8 6.0 Familiarity with the WBG 6.5 7.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 Mean Rating 9 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “Contributing to market stability and increasing benefits for investors, in addition to providing the needs of the local market and contributing to the vision’s projects and initiatives.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) Development Areas for Education 38% the WBG to Prioritize Private sector development 33% Skills development 33% Approximately 4 in 10 respondents identified Tourism 28% education as the top area where stakeholders Energy 26% would like the WBG to focus its resources in Saudi Arabia. Climate change 23% Jobs 23% Respondents also considered private sector development and skills development, followed Agriculture / food security 23% by tourism and energy, key areas the WBG Environment / natural resource management 21% should prioritize. Water / sanitation 21% Health / pandemic preparedness 21% Transport infrastructure 18% Gender equity 15% Financial sector 15% Public sector governance 15% Trade 15% Urban development 10% Digital infrastructure development 8% Other 8% Social protection 3% Debt management 3% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development 10 Q results in Saudi Arabia? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=39) 12 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Saudi Arabia “Effective partnership with the public and private sectors towards achieving the goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) The WBG is Seen as a Long-Term Partner to Saudi Arabia, that is Open and Flexible Respondents gave the highest ratings for the WBG being a Being a long-term partner to long-term partner to Saudi Arabia, followed by its 6.9 KSA openness and flexibility. However, respondents gave the lowest ratings for the WBG’s accessibility and responsiveness. Openness (sharing data and 6.7 other information) Flexibility when circumstances 6.5 change in KSA Access to WBG staff and 6.2 experts Responsiveness to needs in 5.9 KSA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 13 The WBG is Seen as Most Effectively Collaborating with the National Government National government 6.3 Respondents perceived the WBG as most effectively collaborating with the national government, followed by the private sector. Private sector 6.1 The effectiveness of the WBG’s collaboration with civil society and media received the lowest ratings. Academia / research centers 5.7 Local government 5.6 Media 5.2 Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 4.9 CBOs) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Saudi Arabia, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 14 Stakeholders Want the WBG to Collaborate More with the Private Sector and Academia A majority of respondents indicated that the WBG should Private sector 59% collaborate more with the private sector and academia, in addition to its partnership with the national government in Saudi Arabia. Respondents also welcomed more WBG Academia / research 50% collaboration with other donors and development centers partners. Other donors and 32% development partners Local government 15% Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 15% CBOs) Media 15% Other 3% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following should the WBG collaborate Q with more to have greater impact in Saudi Arabia? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=34) 15 16 World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work “Active participation in development and growth projects and research advisory services.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) Advisory Services and Knowledge Products were Considered the WBG’s Greatest Values to Saudi Arabia The majority of respondents indicated that they most Advisory services (including valued the WBG’s advisory services and its reimbursable advisory 56% services (RAS)) knowledge and analytical products. The WBG’s technical assistance and implementation support, and capacity development and training were also Knowledge and analytical products (e.g., data, 54% considered highly valuable. reports, policy notes) Technical assistance and 31% implementation support Capacity development and 21% training Other 10% Convening / bringing together different groups of 8% stakeholders Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Saudi Arabia? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=39) 17 36% of Respondents Used WBG’s Knowledge Work; Stakeholders Reported Positive Views on WBG’s Knowledge Work The WBG should increase availability of 8.4 Although just over a third of respondents indicated that advisory services in KSA in the future they had used the WBG’s knowledge work in the past, WBG's knowledge work contributes to nearly all respondents agreed that the WBG should 7.9 development results in KSA increase its availability of advisory services in Saudi Arabia in the future. They also agreed that the The WBG brings global expertise to 7.6 KSA as part of its knowledge work WBG’s knowledge work contributes to development results and brings global expertise to Saudi Arabia. Working with the WBG increases KSA’s 7.2 institutional capacity Respondents had lower levels of agreement that they The WBG’s advisory services meet the were satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory needs of KSA 6.9 services and that they know how to find the WBG’s knowledge work when they need it. The WBG provides advisory services in 6.9 a timely manner The WBG’s knowledge work being tailored to Saudi I am satisfied with the quality of the Arabia’s context received the lowest ratings. In their 6.5 WBG’s advisory services in KSA qualitative comments also address that WBG should When I need to consult the WBG’s enhance knowledge work by aligning its research and 6.5 knowledge work, I know how to find it recommendations with country’s socio-economic context. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored 6.3 to KSA’s context 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Saudi Mean Rating Arabia? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? 18 (Percentage of Respondents, N=33) 19 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Saudi Arabia “Transferring services that can be provided by the private sector from the state to the private sector by choosing a framework that suits the circumstances and data in the Kingdom, which differ from more advanced countries and also differ from less developed countries. … Involving local experts and consultants to provide accurate information and appropriate expectations for solutions and challenges.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) How Can the WBG Increase Its Effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? Open-Ended Responses When asked the most important thing the WBG could do to improve its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia, respondents discussed a number of areas: Focus Areas: Respondents discussed the need to focus on key development areas and align the WBG’s support with Saudi Arabia’s priorities, such as strengthening private sector development and increasing opportunities via rural development, education, and training. Knowledge: Respondents expressed the need for more tailored knowledge work adapted to Saudi Arabia’s context. Increased collaboration with local experts could help to ensure relevance and accuracy in advisory services, capacity building, and empirical research. Engagement: Respondents felt the WBG should be more open and transparent. In particular, they wanted the WBG to increase its engagement with the private sector, civil society, and local stakeholders. Communication: Respondents suggested the WBG expand its outreach to foster more of a local presence and increase awareness of its work and partnering opportunities in the country. Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) 20 21 Communication and Outreach “Disseminating and raising awareness of the Bank’s services, whether in general or by directing them directly to the relevant parties.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Saudi Arabia? (N=24) Direct Contact and WBG Events were the Most Preferred Channels for Receiving WBG Communications More than half of respondents preferred Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, receiving the Bank’s communications through virtually, phone, email) 52% direct contact with staff and nearly half preferred WBG events/conferences/ Event / conference / seminar / workshop (in seminars/workshops (in person or online). 48% person or online) Fewer respondents preferred social media or e-Newsletters. Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) 30% e-Newsletters 21% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 12% Telegram, Viber) Other 9% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=33) 22 Nearly 7 in 10 Respondents Recalled Seeing or Hearing about the WBG Recently, Most Often on Social Media 67% of respondents recalled seeing or hearing Social media 55% something about the WBG recently. Event / conference / seminar Respondents most often reported seeing that (in person or online) 32% information through social media, followed by WBG events/conferences/seminars, websites, and e- WBG websites 32% Newsletters. e-Newsletters 27% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 23% Telegram, Viber) Direct contact with WBG staff (e.g., in 23% person, virtually, phone, email) Newspapers (print or online) 18% Television (TV) 9% Blogs 9% Other 5% Radio 5% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=33) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select ALL that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=22) 23 The WBG’s Economic Forecasts were the Most Frequently Recalled Topic Respondents most frequently recalled the WBG’s work or research on... WBG’s economic forecasts, followed by its work or research on ending poverty in WBG economic forecasts 41% developing countries, human capital, and food security. Ending poverty in developing countries 27% Human capital (education, health) 23% Food security 23% Youth development 18% Debt relief for developing countries 18% Climate change 14% Digital economy 14% Women empowerment 14% Changes to the WBG financial and 9% operational model Job creation / employment 5% Q What topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? (Select ALL that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=22) 24 25 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=32) collaborate/work with the World Bank Yes Other 41% 33% Group (WBG) in Saudi Arabia? Education 13% (N=40) No 68% Digital development 13% Generalist (specialize in multiple 9% sectors) Legal / human rights 6% Public sector governance 6% World Bank (IBRD) 85% Which of the Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt following WBG 3% agencies do you International Finance management 23% Corporation (IFC) collaborate/work Private sector development / trade 3% with in Saudi Arabia? (N=13) MIGA 15% Urban development 3% ICSID 8% Energy 3% 26 Sample Demographics (continued) What is your gender? (N=32) What’s your age? (N=32) Female 26-35 16% 13% 36-45 38% 46-55 25% 56 and above 16% Male 88% Prefer not to specify 6% 27 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2024 Government Principals: Office of Minister 10% From June 2024 to September 2024, a total of 188 stakeholders in Saudi Arabia were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of potential Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry / Ministerial Department / Project Implementation Unit / participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field 38% Independent Government Institution / State-Owned agency. Participants were drawn from the Office of Minister, Enterprise government institutions, local governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Local Government 3% Of these stakeholders, 40 participated in the survey (21% Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development response rate). Respondents completed the questionnaire online. 8% Organization, Development Bank, UN Agency Breakdowns for individual questions can be found in the “Saudi Arabia COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file Civil Society Organization: Local and regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey 3% Professional/Trade Association, Faith-Based Group, microdata and this report. Youth Group Private Sector: Private Company, Financial Sector 30% Organization, Private Bank Academia / Universities / Research Centers / 3% Think Tanks Media 5% Other 3% Total Number of Respondents 40 Q Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 28 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org