Entity Analysis: Saudi Arabia
Executive Summary
Our Decision Analysis Division has calculated the Decision Latency Index (DLI) for Saudi Arabia, measuring institutional responsiveness to emerging trends and structural shifts. This metric quantifies the gap between when signals become visible and when decisive action is taken.
DLI Score: 65/100
Classification: Mid-High (51-68): Inertia-bound systems
Risk Category: Inertia-bound
The DLI measures organizational paralysis across five dimensions:
- Recognition lag (time to identify problems)
- Decision paralysis (bureaucratic friction)
- Implementation speed (execution capability)
- Adaptation capacity (ability to pivot)
- Historical patterns (track record)
Key Delays Identified
- Recognition lag: Slow response to emerging issues
- Decision paralysis: Bureaucratic hurdles in decision-making
- Implementation speed: Delays in executing approved initiatives
- Adaptation capacity: Challenges in pivoting strategies when necessary
- Historical pattern: Consistent delays in project completions
Recent Examples of Decision Latency
- Jeddah Tower Project: Construction halted in January 2018 due to labor disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic, with work resuming in January 2025 and completion now expected by 2028. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The Line Project: Announced in 2021 as a 170 km linear city, the project faced significant delays and cost overruns, with completion now projected for 2045. (en.wikipedia.org)
- University Campus Construction Delays: A study found that 70% of public construction projects in Saudi Arabia are delayed, with some experiencing delays of 50% to 150%. (journal.cibw117.org)
- 2017–2019 Saudi Arabian Purge: Mass arrests of prominent figures led to significant disruptions in governance and decision-making processes. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 2018–2019 Crackdown on Feminists: Widespread arrests of women’s rights activists indicated a delayed response to social movements. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Qatif Unrest (2017–2020): Prolonged unrest in the Qatif region highlighted slow governmental responses to regional conflicts. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Digital Experience Maturity Index: Saudi Arabia achieved an 86.71% rating in 2025, indicating advanced digital maturity, yet the need for continuous improvement remains. (meatechwatch.com)
- Global Talent Competitiveness Index: Ranked 48th globally with a score of 50.06, reflecting moderate performance in talent competitiveness. (globaltalentcompetitivenessindex.org)
- Internet Connectivity: Ranked 39th globally with a Traveler Score of 63/100, indicating room for improvement in internet infrastructure. (globalconnectivityindex.com)
- Judicial Constraints on Executive: A score of 0.282 in 2024 suggests limited judicial constraints on executive actions, potentially affecting checks and balances. (theglobaleconomy.com)
- Consumer Sentiment Index: Measures consumer opinions on economic conditions, reflecting public sentiment and potential delays in economic recovery. (stats.gov.sa)
These examples illustrate systemic delays in Saudi Arabia’s decision-making processes across various sectors.
Predicted Failure Points
Based on current latency patterns, the following vulnerabilities are projected:
The identified delays may lead to continued project overruns, economic inefficiencies, and social unrest if not addressed.
Strategic Exploitation Framework
For Informed Actors:
Stakeholders can leverage these delays by positioning themselves as agile partners, offering faster execution and adaptability to meet market demands more promptly.
Risk Assessment
A DLI score of 65 places Saudi Arabia in the Inertia-bound category, indicating institutional inertia that creates exploitable windows for faster-moving actors.
Conclusion
Decision latency creates asymmetric advantages for actors who recognize and exploit the gap between visible trends and institutional response. Saudi Arabia’s DLI of 65 represents a strategic opportunity in the current operational landscape.
Generated by JM Global Consortium’s Decision Analysis Division
This was visible weeks ago due to foresight analysis.
