Survey: Saudi Arabia is Among World's Most Trusted Governments

Edelman's 21st annual trust and credibility survey revealed Saudi Arabia’s leading position as one of the most trusted governments in the world.

While trust in other governments shrank in 2020, trust in the Saudi government jumped from 78% to 82%, according to the survey. This increase of 4% made Saudi Arabia one of the most trusted governments in the world, sharing 1st place with China out of 28 countries surveyed by Edelman.

The 2021 Trust Barometer is Edelman's 21st annual trust and credibility survey. The research, conducted by Edelman Data & Intelligence (DxI), surveyed a sample of more than 33,000 respondents in 28 markets. This is the second time that Saudi Arabia partakes in the survey.

Government remains the most trusted institution in general in Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed the survey.

Edelman's review revealed that although the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated personal and societal concerns, anxiety about job losses and climate change exceeded worry about the coronavirus.

Survey participants have adapted well to working from home, with nearly three out of five respondents preferring this arrangement over returning to the office, largely due to fears related to contracting the coronavirus while on the move or in the workplace.

Other key findings from the survey included that 87% expect CEOs to speak out publicly about societal challenges, such as the pandemic impact, job automation, societal issues, as well as local community issues.

 “Accelerated fears due to the pandemic have led to a major change in people’s priorities and a shift in expectations, with an increased sense of urgency to find solutions for critical societal problems,” said Edelman Middle East CEO Omar Qirem.

“The past year was no doubt marked by uncertainty and a decline in trust in information sources, with one in two people citing their employer communications as the most believable source of information above traditional media, and just after government communications,” he added.

 “However, retaining and increasing this trust in 2021 will be directly linked to how organizations, and their leaders, take action to meet these new societal needs, where reskilling and upskilling and a purpose-driven attitude will be crucial,” noted Qirem.