Average IQ in Saudi Arabia: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#133
out of ~199 countries
Region
Middle East
Important note: National average IQ scores are estimates based on limited sample sizes and vary across studies. These figures are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and testing conditions. They do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual from that country. IQ scores measure specific cognitive skills and should be interpreted within their proper scientific context.
Education System in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive education transformation under its Vision 2030 initiative. The Kingdom spends heavily on education and has sent thousands of students abroad on scholarships through the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. Recent reforms focus on reducing religious curriculum content, increasing STEM education, and improving critical thinking skills. The country has established KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) as a world-class research institution.
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
Saudi Arabia Compared to Middle East
Here is how Saudi Arabia compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 84 | #133 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| UAE | 86 | #112 |
| Iran | 84 | #131 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Saudi Arabia:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 84 | #130 | Southeast Asia |
| Iran | 84 | #131 | Middle East |
| Pakistan | 84 | #132 | South Asia |
| Egypt | 83 | #135 | Africa |
| India | 82 | #143 | South Asia |
Understanding IQ Distribution
It's crucial to remember that national averages represent the middle of a wide distribution. Within every country, individual IQ scores span the full range from below 70 to above 130 and beyond. A country with an average IQ of 84 will have many individuals scoring well above and below that number. Factors like socioeconomic status, nutrition, education quality, and access to healthcare play significant roles in cognitive development and test performance.
The Flynn Effect — the observation that IQ scores have risen substantially over time in many countries — suggests that environmental improvements like better nutrition, healthcare, and education access can significantly impact cognitive test performance at the population level. Many developing nations are experiencing rapid improvements in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #133 globally. The country is investing heavily in education reform as part of Vision 2030 to improve these outcomes.
How is Vision 2030 changing Saudi education?
Vision 2030 is reforming Saudi education by increasing STEM focus, reducing rote memorization, introducing critical thinking curricula, expanding women's education access, and investing in teacher training. These changes aim to prepare citizens for a post-oil knowledge economy.
How does Saudi Arabia compare to the UAE?
Saudi Arabia (84) scores slightly below the UAE (86). The UAE began its educational modernization earlier, but Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 represents a more comprehensive transformation that is expected to narrow this gap over time.
Explore More Countries
See the full list of all countries on our Average IQ by Country page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.