Riyadh has been ranked among the world’s top 100 innovation clusters for 2026, becoming the first Gulf city to enter the list, according to the Global Innovation Index.
The Saudi capital placed 92nd globally. Its ranking was supported by 419 venture capital deals focused on innovation and 162 international patent applications, according to the report.
King Saud University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Prince Sultan University were highlighted for their contributions to local research. The report also pointed to SABIC and Aramco for their role in advancing industrial innovation.
The listing reflects the combined efforts of academic and industrial institutions, alongside a regulatory environment that supports the sector’s growth, according to the announcement. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals around building a knowledge economy and strengthening the Kingdom’s global competitiveness.
Riyadh’s inclusion highlights the impact of continued investment in research and development, as well as partnerships supporting innovation across the capital.
Source: Jawlah
