This article uses a descriptive-comparative approach to examine and analyze social barriers to sustainable development in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia. The aim of the research is to identify, compare, and explain key barriers in the two countries, considering the specific cultural, institutional, and social contexts of each. The results of the analysis of statistical sources and fundamental studies show that both countries face challenges such as weak social participation, dominance of traditional and religious structures, gender and social inequalities, concentration of power, and lack of institutional transparency, but the manifestation and severity of these barriers differ based on local characteristics. In Iran, the resistance of traditional institutions to reforms, institutional distrust, and the dispersion of social capital are considered the most important challenges, while in Saudi Arabia, the dominance of tribal and religious culture, the limited role of women, and the intense focus of the political structure have cast a shadow on the process of sustainable development. The research, while comparative analyzing the roots of these obstacles, emphasizes that overcoming the challenges of sustainable development requires institutionalized approaches, strengthening civil and social participation, improving the education system with a focus on critical awareness, local policymaking, and reducing regional and gender gaps. Accordingly, it is suggested that both countries provide the necessary context for achieving sustainable development by reviewing legal and cultural structures, making the governance system transparent and accountable, and strengthening social and civil infrastructure. The innovation of the article lies in presenting a comparative picture of social obstacles to sustainable development and providing solutions appropriate to the context of each country, which can help policymakers and researchers in future planning.