In 2025, the UAE ranked top five globally in competitiveness, healthcare, technology, and human development/Image: WAM
The United Arab Emirates has marked 2025 as a landmark year, securing top spots in multiple global indices. From economic competitiveness to human development, healthcare, technology, and safety, the UAE continues to reinforce its position as a regional and international powerhouse, setting new benchmarks across sectors.
Economic competitiveness and global influence
The UAE climbed higher in the global competitiveness arena, ranking among the top five in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 with a score of 96.09 out of 100, a two-place improvement from 2024. This achievement cements its status as the top-ranked nation in the Middle East for the ninth year running.The nation’s influence extends beyond traditional economic measures. In the Global Soft Power Index 2025, released in London, the UAE placed 10th globally, while its Nation Brand value increased from $1 trillion to $1.223 trillion, reflecting growing global recognition of its soft power and cultural influence.The UNDP Human Development Index further highlighted the UAE’s progress, with the country rising 11 places to rank 15th globally, remaining the only Arab nation in the world’s top 20 for human development.
Talent, healthcare, and human capital
The UAE made significant strides in talent development. According to the IMD World Talent Rankings 2025, the nation jumped eight places to 9th globally, driven by high marks in workforce readiness and international appeal. Healthcare achievements are equally impressive. The UAE topped the Health Inclusivity Index, leading globally in health outreach programmes, community participation in health policy, and wellbeing promotion. It ranks among the top five countries for person-centred healthcare, second for inclusive health system implementation, and 10th in health literacy. These figures showcase a commitment to both innovation and inclusivity in public health.
Technological leadership and digital governance
The UAE’s digital transformation is unmatched in several areas. In the State of Digital Transformation Report (2nd edition), the nation ranked first globally in telecommunications infrastructure, institutional frameworks for digital government, and digital content.The country also excelled in artificial intelligence governance, topping the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 by Oxford Insights. Additionally, it ranked third in government service delivery and fourth in the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index, demonstrating strong capabilities in leveraging technology for efficient governance. The UAE placed 11th in both the IMD Digital Competitiveness Index and the UN E-Government Development Index, indicating consistent global recognition of its digital advancements.
Safety, business environment, and investment
Safety and a strong business climate remain pillars of the UAE’s international standing. The Numbeo Safety Index mid-2025 ranked the UAE the safest country globally, with a score of 85.2.Entrepreneurship continues to thrive. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025 named the UAE the best place for entrepreneurship and SMEs among 56 countries for the fourth consecutive year.Investment inflows reflect the country’s global economic pull. According to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025, the UAE ranked 10th globally for FDI inflows, attracting AED 167.6 billion ($45.6 billion) in 2024. Go to Source