Saudi Arabia Leads Globally in Government Trust and Optimism for Future Generations
Saudi Arabia continues to lead globally in government trust and as one of the report’s most optimistic countries, at a time when societies are increasingly sliding into insularity, according to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer.
The report shows that Saudi Arabia ranks among the least insularly minded countries globally (64%), compared to a global average of 70 percent. Saudi Arabia is also tied for the highest rate of belief that the next generation will be better off, with 65 percent of respondents expressing this optimism, the highest level measured globally, matched only by Nigeria.
Commenting on the findings, Elie Azzi, CEO of Edelman Saudi Arabia, said: “As insularity becomes more prevalent worldwide, Saudi Arabia’s global standing reflects comparatively higher optimism about the future. Trust in government remains a defining strength, reinforcing confidence in leadership and institutions and serving as a foundation for long-term progress under Vision 2030.”
In contrast, the Barometer reveals that seven in 10 people globally are unwilling or hesitant to trust individuals who differ from them in values, problem-solving approaches, backgrounds, or sources of information. Insularity is most pronounced in developed markets, including Japan (89%) and Germany (81%), exceeding the global average in the UK (76%) and Canada (73%), and aligning with the global average in the United States (70%). By comparison, Saudi Arabia recorded lower levels of insularity (64%).
The report links this distinction to high levels of trust in other institutions in Saudi Arabia, with trust in government to do the right thing at 89 percent among the general population, and trust in My Employer (the organization people work for) at 82 percent among employees. Government and My Employer are also seen as performing best in trust brokering, which is the active work of bridging divides between groups that distrust one another. The report revealed 70 percent say the government is doing well and 65 percent of employees say the same of their employer, positioning both as key actors in bridging divides and rebuilding trust.
The Barometer further finds that CEOs in Saudi Arabia are expected to lead this trust-building process, according to 72 percent of the general population, through publicly endorsed strategies such as consulting people with different values and backgrounds when making decisions (73 percent) and constructively engaging with employees who criticize the company (77 percent). Company employees — including direct supervisors and co-workers — along with familiar local voices such as doctors, can also play critical trust-brokering roles.
For more Saudi Arabia findings, see the full 2026 Trust Barometer report here:
