The United Arab Emirates has cemented its status as a global leader in 2025, achieving premier positions across a spectrum of influential international indices. From economic power and human development to technological prowess and public safety, the nation's performance this year sets unprecedented benchmarks, reinforcing its influence both regionally and on the world stage.
Economic Power and Softer Influence Recognized Worldwide
In a significant leap, the UAE has secured a spot among the top five nations in the prestigious IMD World Competitiveness Ranking for 2025. With an impressive score of 96.09 out of 100, this marks a two-position climb from its 2024 standing. This achievement solidifies its reign as the leading nation in the Middle East for an incredible ninth consecutive year.
The country's global stature extends beyond hard economic metrics. According to the Global Soft Power Index 2025, unveiled in London, the UAE holds the 10th position worldwide. Its Nation Brand value witnessed substantial growth, soaring from $1 trillion to a remarkable $1.223 trillion, underscoring the expanding reach of its cultural and diplomatic influence.
Human development progress is equally notable. The UNDP Human Development Index shows the UAE jumping 11 places to rank 15th globally, maintaining its unique position as the sole Arab country within the world's top 20 for human development.
Excellence in Talent, Healthcare, and Digital Governance
The nation's investment in its people is paying rich dividends. The IMD World Talent Rankings 2025 place the UAE at 9th globally, an eight-place surge, credited to exceptional scores in workforce readiness and international appeal.
In healthcare, the UAE's commitment to inclusivity and innovation is unmatched. The country topped the global Health Inclusivity Index, leading in health outreach, community policy participation, and wellbeing promotion. It ranks among the top five for person-centred care and second for implementing an inclusive health system.
Technological leadership is another cornerstone of the UAE's success. The nation ranked first globally in telecommunications infrastructure, digital government frameworks, and digital content, as per the State of Digital Transformation Report. It also leads the world in AI governance readiness, according to Oxford Insights' 2024 index, and holds top-five positions in government service delivery and GovTech maturity.
A Safe Haven for Business and Global Investment
Safety remains a fundamental pillar of the UAE's appeal. The Numbeo Safety Index for mid-2025 crowned the UAE as the safest country in the world, with a high score of 85.2.
This secure and conducive environment fuels entrepreneurship. For the fourth year running, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025 has named the UAE the best place globally for entrepreneurship and SMEs among 56 nations surveyed.
The economic momentum is reflected in substantial foreign investment. The UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025 reveals the UAE as the 10th largest global recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, attracting a colossal AED 167.6 billion (approximately $45.6 billion) in the year 2024 alone.
The collective results from 2025 paint a clear picture: The UAE is not merely participating in the global arena but is actively defining excellence across multiple sectors, from the economy and technology to the wellbeing of its society.
