Recent surveys show a remarkable contrast: 87% of Saudi citizens trust their government, while in Germany it’s only 35%.

As someone who has been traveling to Saudi Arabia for the past eight years, I have witnessed the Kingdom’s transformation first-hand — not only in infrastructure and technology but also in the mindset of its people. There is a strong sense of direction, purpose, and optimism about the future. People believe in their leadership and in Vision 2030 as a collective national project.

In contrast, back home in Germany, I experience a different reality: bureaucracy that slows progress, political fragmentation that prevents decisive action, and a growing sense of frustration among citizens and entrepreneurs alike. While Germany debates, Saudi Arabia executes.

The trust gap reflects more than different political systems — it highlights a difference in energy and clarity of purpose. Saudi Arabia has embraced transformation as a mission. Germany, in many ways, seems trapped in regulation, self-doubt, and nostalgia.

True progress, however, requires both efficiency and accountability. Germany could learn from Saudi Arabia’s speed and strategic confidence, while Saudi Arabia can continue to benefit from Germany’s tradition of transparency and institutional strength.

Trust is not built by words — it’s built by visible progress, bold leadership, and a shared belief in the future.

And that, I have seen vividly, is what makes the difference between stagnation and transformation.

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FrankSchwab.de