News DeskRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – Residents of Saudi Arabia are increasingly prioritising localisation and demanding greater transparency from businesses on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, according to the newly released SEC Newgate 2025 Impact Monitor.
The global study, which surveyed more than 20,000 people across 20 countries, included Saudi Arabia for the first time and highlights a growing shift in how communities evaluate corporate responsibility. The report shows that organisations are now being judged on their real-world impact, particularly on local jobs, investment and environmental outcomes.
In the Kingdom, 90 per cent of respondents rated responsible conduct by large businesses as highly important, while 82 per cent held similar expectations for small and medium enterprises, reinforcing that larger corporations face higher standards of accountability.
Technology and telecommunications, alongside healthcare, emerged as the top-performing industries, with 89 per cent of participants rating them positively for responsible business practices.
Localisation also plays a critical role in shaping public perception. Eighty-three per cent of respondents said they feel more positive towards companies that manufacture locally, while 81 per cent favour businesses that source materials and components from within the Kingdom.
The study further revealed strong public backing for the Kingdom’s energy transition, with 88 per cent expressing positive sentiment, and 82 per cent showing continued interest in ESG-related issues. Saudi Arabia also ranked among the world’s most optimistic nations, with more than nine in ten believing the country is moving in the right direction.
Elena Gramatica, Founder and CEO of SEC Newgate Middle East, said communities are increasingly holding companies accountable, noting that ESG is no longer optional but a key factor influencing consumer choices.
Globally, the report underscores a growing expectation for businesses to operate with local sensitivity, as communities increasingly associate local hiring, manufacturing and investment with stronger corporate reputations.
As world leaders prepare to meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the findings offer timely insights for organisations seeking to manage reputational risk and build trust in an era defined by localisation and rising stakeholder expectations.
