The UAE has secured the 5th position globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, a significant jump that places it among the world’s most advanced economies. The announcement, made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, highlights the country’s exceptional performance, particularly in economic strength and government agility, reinforcing its status as a premier hub for talent and investment.
Quick Facts
- Ranked 5th globally in overall competitiveness.
- Secured 1st place for Economic Performance worldwide.
- Led the world across 21 key indicators.
A Blueprint for Business Efficiency
According to the report, the UAE’s high ranking is built on a foundation of robust government and business efficiency. The country ranked 1st globally in crucial indicators such as Bureaucracy, Adaptability of Government Policy, and Employment. This reflects a concerted effort to create a frictionless environment for businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE continues to affirm its place among the world’s most competitive nations,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. “Competitiveness for us is not a ranking to chase; it is a standard we set for ourselves every day. It is what raises the quality of life for our people, earns the confidence of the world, and confirms that the UAE is moving steadily towards a future of greater prosperity and leadership.”
This performance signals the strength of the country’s development model, positioning it as a top destination for investors and innovators. The UAE also claimed the top spot for International Experience, National Culture, and Quality of Air Transportation.
Leading in Tech and Regulation
The UAE’s tech-forward agenda was a key factor in its strong showing. The nation ranked 2nd globally for Citizen Trust in AI and 3rd for Society’s Access to AI. Furthermore, it secured the 4th position for both Companies’ Investment in AI and its Legal and Regulatory Framework.
These metrics point to a mature ecosystem where both the public and private sectors are aligned on digital transformation. The country also scored high in other areas vital to the startup scene, ranking 2nd for Creation of Firms and 3rd for its international Image and Branding.
This progress across digital transformation, innovation, and infrastructure reinforces the UAE’s competitive standing at both regional and global levels.
About the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the World Competitiveness Centre at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, is a leading annual report on the competitiveness of nations. The 2026 edition assessed 70 economies based on four main factors: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency, and Infrastructure. The rankings are compiled from statistical data and executive opinion surveys to evaluate how countries manage their resources to deliver sustainable prosperity.
Source: Zawya
