Executive Summary:
- Saudi Arabia’s IP score jumped from 36.6% in 2019 to 53.7% in 2025, reflecting a 17.5% increase in its overall grade and a 40% relative improvement over six years in the Global Intellectual Property Index.
- In 2023, SAR 1 billion (approximately $267 million) was allocated to launch the national IP strategy, aiming to drive innovation and attract investment as part of Vision 2030.
- The Kingdom aims to rank among the top 20 global economies by 2028 in terms of IP protection and innovation, building on steady progress within the top 25.
Saudi Arabia Eyes Top 20 by 2028
Saudi Arabia is significantly improving its global standing in the Intellectual Property (IP) field, achieving a breakthrough in the 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index. It ranks among the top countries regarding recent gains within the top 25 global economies listed in the index. The Kingdom has recorded a 17.5% increase in its overall grade, underscoring its commitment to strengthening its IP infrastructure and fostering an innovative environment, in alignment with its Vision 2030 objectives.
The Global Intellectual Property Index, published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, released its 13th edition in 2025. According to the index, Saudi Arabia’s score increased from 36.6% in 2019 to 53.7% in 2025, marking a significant improvement of over 40% across six years.
These developments reflect the Saudi government’s dedication to protecting IP rights and building an integrated system that boosts investor and innovator confidence. The institutional capacity has improved through efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks, aligning more closely with international standards and treaties.
This initiative has been spearheaded by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), which has achieved key policy milestones such as extending the term of design protection to 15 years, establishing a dedicated office for the prosecution of IP offenses, and enhancing the enforcement of copyrights and trademarks.
Improvements in Saudi Arabia’s global standing are largely credited to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who allocated SAR 1 billion ($267 million) in 2023 when he launched the national IP strategy to support investors and diversify the Kingdom’s economy. The original five-year plan, set to conclude in 2028, continues to drive year-on-year improvements in the Kingdom’s IP ranking. The national plan focuses on four key pillars: IP creation, administration, commercialization, and protection.
These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in innovation, creativity, and competitiveness. Advancements in global rankings are expected to enhance investor and creator confidence in Saudi Arabia’s legal and regulatory framework, thereby increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The ultimate goal is to rank among the top 20 countries by the end of 2028 and to conclude the initial five-year plan with Saudi Arabia firmly established as a knowledge-based economy.