The Global Innovation Index has classified Riyadh as one of the world’s top 100 innovation clusters for 2026, reflecting notable progress across a range of innovation and research indicators in line with the support and enablement provided to the Kingdom’s research, development and innovation sector.
Riyadh placed 92nd globally, making it the only Gulf city in the ranking. The report highlighted key figures that underpinned its advanced position, including 419 venture capital deals in innovation and 162 international patent applications filed from the city.
According to the Global Innovation Index report, prominent entities contributed to the capital’s advanced standing in research and innovation. In research, King Saud University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Prince Sultan University were cited, while in innovation, SABIC and Aramco were highlighted.
Riyadh’s classification among the top 100 global innovation clusters comes amid concerted efforts by the Kingdom’s research and innovation ecosystem, working in an integrated manner to support and enable researchers and innovators, provide incentives that drive sector growth, and enhance international competitiveness in line with Saudi Vision 2030 targets.
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