The United Arab Emirates has firmly established its position as a leading global powerhouse in 2025, securing top rankings across a multitude of international indices. Citing data from several global reports, the nation has demonstrated exceptional performance in key sectors including economy, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and quality of life, underscoring its role as a premier destination for talent and investment.
These achievements reflect a pivotal year in the UAE’s journey, driven by a clear leadership vision, agile policies, and national strategies that have created a globally recognized model for competitiveness and innovation.
A Global Hub for Entrepreneurs
For the fourth consecutive year, the UAE ranked first globally in entrepreneurship, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2024-2025 report. Surpassing 56 other economies, this top position highlights the nation’s robust legislative environment, ease of doing business, access to finance, and unwavering government support for startups and entrepreneurs.
A New Benchmark in Competitiveness
The UAE’s competitive edge was further sharpened as it climbed to fifth place globally in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking by the IMD World Competitiveness Center. The nation led in over 110 sub-indicators, achieving a score of 96.09 out of 100 and advancing two spots from 2024. This also marks the ninth consecutive year the UAE has held the top position regionally.
Leading the Digital Transformation Wave
In the digital realm, the UAE continues to lead the world. The country secured the top global rank for its Telecommunication Infrastructure Index in the UN E-Government Survey, achieving a perfect score. This reflects the readiness of its communication networks and the widespread adoption of digital services.
Furthermore, the nation maintained its global lead in mobile internet speed and ranked ninth in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. These accolades are a direct result of sustained investment in 5G networks and a commitment to fostering a world-class digital economy. Emirati cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai also ranked among the top five globally in the IMD Smart City Index, lauded for their extensive use of AI, digital services, and sustainable solutions.
Magnet for Global Talent and Investment
The UAE’s appeal as a hub for top professionals was confirmed as it ranked ninth globally in the 2025 World Talent Ranking, jumping eight places from the previous year.
This talent attraction is matched by strong investor confidence. The UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025 placed the UAE as the tenth-largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows worldwide.
A Beacon of Safety and Soft Power
Reinforcing its status as a desirable place to live and work, the UAE was named the safest country in the world in mid-2025 by global statistics site Numbeo. The nation also made a significant mark in soft power and human development, ranking among the top 10 globally in the Soft Power Index and the top 20 in the Human Development Index—the only Arab country in this category.
About the UAE’s National Strategy
The United Arab Emirates’ consistent top rankings are a direct outcome of its strategic vision, which focuses on diversifying the economy away from oil, fostering innovation, and building a knowledge-based economy. Initiatives like the National Strategy for Advanced Innovation and the UAE Centennial 2071 plan aim to make the UAE the best country in the world by investing in education, technology, and a sustainable future for its citizens and residents.
Source: 24.ae
