A recently published report has sparked widespread controversy, claiming that the Saudi government enjoys the highest level of trust worldwide and that the kingdom leads globally in optimism about the future, with a reported 69% confidence rate. These figures, which seem entirely disconnected from the kingdom’s deteriorating economic and political reality, raise serious questions about their credibility. Who is behind promoting such narratives, and are they simply part of Saudi Arabia’s extensive PR campaigns aimed at polishing its global image while ignoring domestic struggles?
With rising taxes, increasing political repression, a worsening economic crisis, and a continued exodus of foreign investments, the average Saudi citizen faces a grim reality. This stark contrast between official propaganda and everyday hardships makes reports of high government trust and national optimism highly questionable. How can a government facing mounting public dissatisfaction be the “most trusted in the world”? And how can a country where citizens are struggling with soaring living costs be ranked as the most optimistic about the future?
Saudi Arabia’s Media Manipulation and Fabrication of Reality
This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has attempted to buy international media influence and commission favorable reports about its political and economic situation. The kingdom has invested billions in hiring PR firms and Western media outlets to manufacture reports that portray “economic progress,” despite escalating domestic crises.
Since the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, Saudi Arabia has faced unprecedented international backlash. To counter this, the kingdom has intensified its media campaigns, using vast financial resources to reshape its image.
Saudi Arabia has funded think tanks and global newspapers to publish biased reports falsely claiming economic growth and social reforms, while on-the-ground realities paint a different picture.
Many of these reports are produced by firms specializing in reputation management for authoritarian regimes, where massive payments secure the release of “positive statistics” that lack any factual basis.
As human rights activist Andrew Christoph puts it:
“The Saudi regime does not enjoy the trust of its people; it rules through fear. When repression is the main tool for maintaining power, any report claiming high levels of public trust is nothing more than an attempt to whitewash a dictatorship.”
Do International Reports Reflect Reality in Saudi Arabia?
While these reports claim that Saudi Arabia ranks highest in government trust and optimism about the future, the reality for Saudi citizens is quite different. Economic hardships, aggressive political crackdowns, and growing unemployment are far more pressing concerns than fabricated confidence ratings.
1. Saudi Arabia’s Economy is in Crisis Despite Media Hype
• The average Saudi citizen is struggling economically due to aggressive tax hikes, including a 15% VAT increase, which has significantly eroded purchasing power.
• The cost of essential goods has skyrocketed, making daily life increasingly difficult.
• Large-scale projects like NEOM and The Line continue to consume billions without delivering clear economic returns, leading to a growing national debt.
• The government has resorted to selling off national assets, including shares in Aramco, indicating severe liquidity issues.
• Unemployment remains high, particularly among young Saudis, as the government prioritizes hiring foreign workers over its own citizens.
2. Political Repression is Escalating – So Where is the “Trust”?
• While the government claims record-high public trust, the kingdom is seeing an unprecedented crackdown on dissenting voices.
• Journalists, activists, and political opponents are arrested without fair trials.
• Criticizing Mohammed bin Salman or his policies, even on social media, can result in draconian prison sentences.
• Despite claims of “reforms,” Saudi Arabia remains one of the most repressive regimes, with ongoing executions, torture in prisons, and enforced disappearances.
• The government heavily monitors social media and crushes free speech, leading to growing frustration among citizens.
Why Does Saudi Arabia Need These Reports?
It is evident that Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in PR campaigns, and the primary purpose of these reports is to reshape global perceptions rather than address real internal problems.
• The Saudi government needs these reports to convince foreign investors that the kingdom is a stable and attractive investment destination, despite the ongoing economic downturn and capital flight.
• These reports serve as a tool to manipulate domestic public opinion, reassuring citizens that the country is on the right path, even when reality suggests otherwise.
• Such reports help soften Saudi Arabia’s global image, especially when Western governments remain hesitant to engage with a regime widely criticized for its human rights abuses.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s reliance on fabricated statistics and bought reports only highlights its growing insecurity. As economic failures mount and repression intensifies, it will become increasingly difficult for the government to convince its people—or the world—that everything is going according to plan.
The Key Question: If the Saudi Government is Truly Trusted, Why Does it Need to Pay for These Reports?
