As of 2024, the top 1% in Saudi Arabia earned 23.16% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 10.65%. Saudi Arabia’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 23.16%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Saudi Arabia in 2024
In 2024, income in Saudi Arabia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 23.16% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 10.65% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Saudi Arabia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 23.16% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 52.05% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 10.65% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Saudi Arabia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Saudi Arabia’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 23.16% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 0.00 percentage points to 23.16%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Saudi Arabia has remained stable over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 52.05% while the bottom 50% received 10.65%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 52.05% and 10.65% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 1986 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 1992 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 1998 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 2004 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 2010 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 2016 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
| 2022 | 23.16% | 52.05% | 10.65% | 41.40 pp |
How Saudi Arabia Compares Globally
Saudi Arabia vs Middle East Average
Compared to other countries in Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s top 1% income share of 23.16% is slightly higher than the regional average of 21.66%. The bottom 50% in Saudi Arabia receives 10.65% of income, compared to the Middle East average of 11.98%.
Where Saudi Arabia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Saudi Arabia ranks 12th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Saudi Arabia ranks 148th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Saudi Arabia include income distribution in India, income distribution in Algeria, Botswana's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Saudi Arabia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Saudi Arabia earned 23.16% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Saudi Arabia?
Income inequality in Saudi Arabia has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 23.16% in 1980 to 23.16% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Saudi Arabia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Saudi Arabia received 10.65% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 52.05%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.