Saudi Arabia Launches Global Index to Measure City Well-Being

A groundbreaking partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Nations is giving cities a powerful new way to understand what makes life better for their residents.

The Quality of Life Index, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, moves beyond traditional measures like GDP to capture how people really experience their communities. It tracks nine essential areas including housing, health, education, environment, and social connection.

The tool was built through global collaboration, bringing together more than 150 experts from over 40 countries. Their work created 28 universal indicators that cities can adapt to their unique local needs while still comparing progress with peers worldwide.

Twenty-two cities across six continents are already using the Index to guide policy decisions. Another 80 cities are preparing to join, creating a global network committed to putting people first in urban planning.

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Quality of Life Program, explained the vision. "The Index translates wellbeing into practical priorities, ensuring targeted action is directed toward what matters most to people," he said.

Saudi Arabia developed the framework through lessons learned from Vision 2030, the kingdom's ambitious plan to reshape development around lived experience. Now they're sharing those insights with cities everywhere through their partnership with UN-Habitat.

Why This Inspires

This initiative represents a fundamental shift in how we measure success. For decades, cities chased economic growth numbers while residents struggled with long commutes, limited green space, or weak community ties.

The Quality of Life Index gives mayors and planners concrete data about what actually improves daily life. When cities track whether residents can easily access parks, feel safe in their neighborhoods, or participate in cultural activities, they can make smarter investments.

The global network creates another advantage: cities can learn from each other's successes and challenges. A housing solution that works in one place might inspire adaptation elsewhere.

By aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Index also ensures that local improvements contribute to worldwide progress on inequality, climate action, and sustainable communities.

Cities embracing human-centered development are discovering that quality of life isn't just nice to have—it's the foundation for everything else, from economic growth to environmental sustainability.