Public acceptance of genome editing in Saudi Arabia is driven by therapeutic benefit despite limited awareness

Genome editing technologies are transforming precision medicine and rare disease therapeutics; however, their responsible clinical integration depends on public awareness, ethical acceptance, and trust in regulatory oversight. Evidence from culturally diverse populations remains limited, particularly in regions undergoing rapid investment in genomic medicine. A large nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed to adults aged 18 years and older. The instrument assessed demographic characteristics, awareness of genome editing, perceived benefits and risks, ethical concerns, and acceptance of genome editing applications. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with acceptance. A total of 1,712 participants completed the survey. Fewer than half of respondents reported prior awareness of genome editing, indicating limited baseline familiarity. Support for therapeutic applications was high, particularly when interventions were framed as treatments for serious or life-threatening conditions. Favourable attitudes and perceived clinical benefit were strongly associated with acceptance, while perceived risk demonstrated a modest negative association. Greater awareness was associated with increased ethical caution. Trust in national regulatory frameworks significantly strengthened confidence in gene therapy applications. These findings indicate a relatively supportive public perspective toward therapeutic genome editing in Saudi Arabia, particularly when its use is framed within appropriate ethical and regulatory boundaries. By providing population level evidence from an underrepresented region undergoing rapid genomic development, this study offers insights that may inform culturally responsive policy, public engagement, and responsible clinical translation of genome editing technologies.