According to the Future Investment Initiative (FII) survey, Saudis report the highest personal satisfaction rates amid global economic and political concerns

In a world facing increasing discontent, Saudi Arabia stands out for its high levels of personal satisfaction, according to the latest Future Investment Initiative (FII) survey. Covering 24 countries and over 62% of the global population, the FII survey reveals that Saudis rank highest in personal satisfaction, with 84% of respondents expressing contentment in their lives—a significant contrast to the growing dissatisfaction seen in other regions.

Globally, 52 per cent of survey participants expressed frustration with current world affairs. In Saudi Arabia, however, this sentiment is minimal, reflecting a regional resilience that sets the Kingdom apart from broader concerns. At a global level, South Korea recorded the lowest satisfaction, with only 39 per cent expressing contentment, underscoring a divergence between the Global North and South.

According to the survey, while only 12 per cent of people in the Global North feel positive about their country’s direction, the Global South sees a markedly more optimistic view, with 34 per cent expressing satisfaction with their country’s trajectory. Saudi Arabia’s positive outlook shines through, even amid continued economic and geopolitical challenges. In comparison, Turkiye showed the highest levels of dissatisfaction, with 38 per cent of respondents reporting discontent.

Financial stability continues to be a major global concern, with the Future Investment Initiative (FII) survey revealing that 53% of respondents view it as a fundamental factor for quality of life and 48% consider it essential for long-term health. Furthermore, 57% noted worsening inflation and rising living costs, particularly in areas experiencing economic uncertainty, highlighting the contrast with Saudi satisfaction levels reported in the same survey. Notably, the Saudi satisfaction results in the FII survey reflect a significant sense of contentment among its citizens despite these global challenges.

Notably, the Kingdom’s climate risk concern stands at 41 per cent, below the global average, in contrast to countries like Japan and South Korea, where environmental concerns reach 72 per cent and 63 per cent, respectively. Economic security, however, has taken precedence in most regions, with 40 per cent of survey respondents listing economic stability as their primary concern, followed by political stability (19 per cent) and healthcare (17 per cent).

Social cohesion, defined as strong community ties and local engagement, appears most robust in Saudi Arabia, India, and Indonesia. Even as social inclusion ranks fifth among global priorities, economic equity and class tension were notably pressing concerns in Europe, where 9 per cent of respondents expressed worry compared to 5 per cent in Asia.

Technology readiness emerged as a key theme, with 63 per cent of respondents feeling prepared for the digital future. While the Middle East, North Africa, and Africa report high levels of digital preparedness, Europe lags, with only 50 per cent of respondents feeling equipped for technological change. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is a growing concern, especially in the Global South, where respondents worry about AI’s potential impact on jobs and the loss of control over digital advancements.

In Saudi Arabia and India, technology was highlighted as an urgent issue. AI tools, including ChatGPT, have sparked mixed reactions, with 37 per cent of respondents indicating they pose a societal risk, 24 per cent disagreeing, and 39 per cent remain neutral.

The FII survey paints a complex picture of global priorities, aspirations, and concerns. As countries navigate this shifting landscape, these insights provide a roadmap for policymakers addressing economic, technological, and social challenges.