Saudi Arabia’s international reputation is undergoing a transformative upswing, as revealed in the 5th Edition of the Kingdom Reputation Report by CARMA. The report details a strong shift in global sentiment, characterized by a surge in positive media narratives and a substantial decline in negative coverage. This reputational shift is largely credited to the country’s Vision 2030 reforms, economic diversification, and growing soft power on the global stage.
Sharp Rise in Positive Sentiment Across Global Media
In 2024, positive mainstream media coverage of Saudi Arabia increased by 25% compared to 2023. More notably, since 2020, negative media mentions have plummeted by 55%, indicating a sustained improvement in international perceptions.
According to CARMA’s global sentiment survey — which included respondents from the UK, USA, India, Singapore, and Russia — 59% expressed favorable views of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, 37% reported a more positive perception of the Kingdom over the last 12 months.
Vision 2030 Becomes Central to Global Narrative
In a landmark shift, Vision 2030 emerged as the most influential narrative driver for international media coverage related to Saudi Arabia in 2024, accounting for 60% of all global media mentions — the highest proportion ever recorded.
For the first time since 2020, media focus on economic and social transformation outpaced political content, reflecting increasing global interest in Saudi Arabia’s developmental milestones, reforms, and modernization efforts under Vision 2030.
Events, Tourism, and Entertainment Fuel Media Attention
Media coverage of Saudi Arabia’s economy surged by 77% in 2024, powered by high-impact global events such as the Future Investment Initiative (FII), the LEAP tech conference, and the World Defence Show.
Meanwhile, tourism and entertainment media coverage grew by 60% year-over-year, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a vibrant travel and lifestyle destination. Although media coverage of sports saw a modest 7% decline, it still represented 11% of all media content related to the Kingdom — reinforcing its enduring influence.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup was among the highlights, securing international headlines and bolstering the Kingdom’s global cultural ties.
Celebrity Influence and Leadership Visibility Boost Engagement
Notable global figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Elon Musk, and MrBeast played a critical role in amplifying awareness and shaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia’s evolving entertainment and sports ecosystem.
In parallel, Saudi leadership continued to be positively portrayed across major international media outlets, recognized for their role in driving mega-projects, advancing diplomacy, and spearheading reform across sectors.
CARMA’s public opinion poll revealed that:
- 59% of respondents are interested in visiting Saudi Arabia
- 60% would consider doing business in the Kingdom
- 52% are open to working there
These figures demonstrate the Kingdom’s growing appeal as both a business hub and a travel destination.
AI-Driven Analysis Validates the Kingdom’s Reputational Shift
CARMA’s report incorporates AI-powered analytics, sentiment tracking, and human-led media interpretation, combining data from global news outlets, social influencers, search engine trends, and public surveys across multiple markets.
This comprehensive approach highlights the world’s recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strategic reinvention, confirming a clear trend toward a positive global reputation shaped by economic growth, cultural innovation, and forward-looking policies.
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