Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates places highest on Out-of-School Rate, Primary (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Water Stress (bottom 1%).
United Arab Emirates in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
10,642,081
people
since 1950
Land area
71,020
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
69,702
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
82.91
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.94
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
2.174
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates lies on the south-eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, with a long coastline on the Gulf and a shorter one on the Gulf of Oman. Much of the country is sandy desert, with oases such as Al Ain and Liwa, and the Hajar Mountains rise in the east. The climate is hot and arid, with very hot summers and mild winters. The country is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi is the capital, and Dubai is its best-known commercial city. Arabic is the official language, and English is widely used in business.
For centuries the coastal towns lived from pearling and trade. The emirates came under British protection in the nineteenth century, and the federation was founded in 1971. The discovery and export of oil transformed the country over the following decades. The United Arab Emirates is known for its modern architecture, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and for its role as a hub for aviation and trade. Its economy is built on oil and gas, finance, tourism, logistics and real estate.
Key facts about United Arab Emirates
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Official language
- Arabic
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)
- ISO code
- ARE · AE
- Domain · dialling
- .ae · +971
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is United Arab Emirates’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
4thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
7thof 171
From 2 of 4 key statistics
9thof 175
From 3 of 4 key statistics
10thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
9thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
15thof 200
From 3 of 4 key statistics
35thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint34thof 177
From 3 of 4 key statistics
58thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
64thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint66thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
98thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint127thof 183
From 2 of 4 key statistics
150thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
179thof 181
From 2 of 3 key statistics
No standing — United Arab Emirates holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for United Arab Emirates’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for United Arab Emirates in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where United Arab Emirates stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which United Arab Emirates sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where United Arab Emirates does best11
In the top third of all countries measured. 11 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 121st of 121 · 1 = worst · 0.004 · 2024
world median 3.691 (better) · ▲ 24 pts since 2018
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▲ 18 pts since 2013
- 2nd
- 2nd
Position · derived 170th of 171 · 1 = worst · -3.134 · 2025
world median -0.661 (better)
- 3rdVulnerable Employmenttop 1%
Position · derived 180th of 182 · 1 = worst · 1.501 · 2025
world median 28.67 (better)
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 75 · 65 · 2024
world median 5.494 (better)
- 7th
Rank 7th of 139 · 4 · 2023
world median 2.9 (better) · ▲ 10 pts since 2014
- 7thMaternal Mortality Ratiotop 3%
Position · derived 189th of 195 · 1 = worst · 2.54 · 2023
world median 46.65 (better)
- 7th
- 8th
Position · derived 120th of 127 · 1 = worst · 0.9 · 2023
world median 4.7 (better)
Where United Arab Emirates struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2ndWater Stressbottom 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 177 · 1 = worst · 1,437 · 2023
world median 10 (worse)
- 3rdParticipatory Democracy Indexbottom 1%
Position · derived 174th of 176 · 0.031 · 2025
world median 0.298 (worse)
- 4th
Position · derived 178th of 181 · 14.89 · 2022
world median 2,528 (worse)
- 7thCO₂ Emissions per Capitabottom 3%
Position · derived 7th of 210 · 1 = worst · 20.13 · 2024
world median 3.21 (worse)
- 8thV-Dem Electoral Democracy Indexbottom 4%
Position · derived 169th of 176 · 0.104 · 2025
world median 0.497 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so United Arab Emirates can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
46th
of 141 · 1990
15th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
27th
of 173 · 2012
21st
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
99th
of 101 · 1995
13th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 29 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
31st
of 132 · 2022
30th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
65th
of 140 · 1995
53rd
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
16th
of 172 · 2020
19th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where United Arab Emirates has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Food Production Index+79 pts since 2012
- Livestock Production Index+73 pts since 2012
- Crop Production Index+68 pts since 2012
Losing ground
Where United Arab Emirates has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- ICT Services Exports-41 pts since 2014
- Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports-31 pts since 2014
- Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)-12 pts since 2014
05In context
United Arab Emirates and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Western Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
06Places
Landmarks of United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa
Skyscraper in Dubai, the tallest building in the world since its completion in 2010.
Photo: Tim.Reckmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
White marble mosque in Abu Dhabi, completed in 2007.
Photo: PotatoWitch · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Burj Al Arab
Sail-shaped luxury hotel on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, Dubai.
Photo: Yacine Hary · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Art museum on Saadiyat Island designed by Jean Nouvel, opened in 2017.
Photo: Boubloub · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Historic district of Dubai known for its wind-tower houses.
Photo: jensimon7 · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
07The evidence
Every statistic we hold for United Arab Emirates
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions23
Agriculture Orientation Index14th of 132position · derived1.22Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
top 10% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
United Arab Emirates 1.22 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +48 percentile points since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 23%0.465CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 23% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
United Arab Emirates 0.465 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
No real change since 2013
Civic Space Ratings188th of 198position · derived9Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 5% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 9 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)51st of 192rank0.49ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 26% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
United Arab Emirates 0.49 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 14%100Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 14% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
United Arab Emirates 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption36th of 211position · derived1.152Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 17% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Arab Emirates 1.152 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index21st of 181rank69CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 12% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
United Arab Emirates 69 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index19th of 195rank69.86AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 9% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 69.86 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness36th of 209position · derived1.129Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 17% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
United Arab Emirates 1.129 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
GovTech Maturity Index20th of 196position · derived0.918GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 10% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.918 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index152nd of 175position · derived0.141Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
bottom 13% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.141 · world median 0.676 (worse)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index153rd of 176position · derived0.077Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.077 · world median 0.353 (worse)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory7th of 168rank85ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 4% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 85 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +58 percentile points since 2016
Political Corruption Index146th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.105Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
United Arab Emirates 0.105 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill91st of 168position · derived7.59Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 46% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
United Arab Emirates 7.59 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +42 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality24th of 209position · derived1.174Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 11% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Arab Emirates 1.174 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law73rd of 211position · derived0.543Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 34% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Arab Emirates 0.543 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators69th of 188position · derived79.15SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 36% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 79.15 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +37 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index169th of 176position · derived0.104Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 4% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.104 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability155th of 206position · derived-1.07Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 25% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Arab Emirates -1.07 · world median -0.022 (worse)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law84th of 190position · derived82.5WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 46% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
United Arab Emirates 82.5 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +53 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation15
Container Port Traffic8th of 103position · derived23,466,906Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 7% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
United Arab Emirates 23,466,906 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index61st of 195position · derived116.03Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 31% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
United Arab Emirates 116.03 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +68 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports79th of 170position · derived27.7Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 46% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
United Arab Emirates 27.7 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index53rd of 145rank0.384ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 36% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
United Arab Emirates 0.384 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Food Production Index34th of 195position · derived124.86Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 17% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
United Arab Emirates 124.86 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▲ +79 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowstop 13%8.537FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
top 13% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
United Arab Emirates 8.537 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index30th of 139rank44.15GII score (0–100)2025
top 21% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 44.15 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
ICT Goods Exports18th of 119position · derived8.29ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 14% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
United Arab Emirates 8.29 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2014
ICT Services Exports78th of 118position · derived4.862ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 34% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
United Arab Emirates 4.862 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -41 percentile points since 2014
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index28th of 175rank190.03LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 16% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
United Arab Emirates 190.03 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index30th of 194position · derived132.1Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 15% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
United Arab Emirates 132.1 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +73 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index7th of 139rank4LPI score (1–5)2023
top 6% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
United Arab Emirates 4 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Researchers per Million Inhabitants39th of 145position · derived2,607Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 26% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
United Arab Emirates 2,607 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)29th of 180position · derived17.63Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 14% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
United Arab Emirates 17.63 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2011
World Energy Trilemma Index30th of 99rank70.3Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 30% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 70.3 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour14
Average Weekly Hours Worked6th of 182position · derived48.29Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
United Arab Emirates 48.29 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture166th of 182position · derived1.438Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
United Arab Emirates 1.438 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry19th of 182position · derived30.59Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
United Arab Emirates 30.59 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services67th of 182position · derived67.97Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 36% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
United Arab Emirates 67.97 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio11th of 182position · derived76.89Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
United Arab Emirates 76.89 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate93rd of 182position · derived53.03Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
United Arab Emirates 53.03 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Informal Employment Rate79th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst3.975Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 19% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
United Arab Emirates 3.975 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate12th of 182position · derived78.59Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
United Arab Emirates 78.59 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked54th of 182position · derived41.24Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
United Arab Emirates 41.24 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate177th of 182position · derived5.066Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 3% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
United Arab Emirates 5.066 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate164th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.174Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
United Arab Emirates 2.174 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment180th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst1.501Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 1% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
United Arab Emirates 1.501 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate146th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst6.451Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
United Arab Emirates 6.451 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge20
Academic Freedom Index147th of 176position · derived0.195Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
bottom 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.195 · world median 0.619 (worse)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate35th of 172position · derived98.81Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 20% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
United Arab Emirates 98.81 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling53rd of 195position · derived15.6Expected years of schooling2023
top 27% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
United Arab Emirates 15.6 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +56 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researchersbottom 38%33.58Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
bottom 38% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
United Arab Emirates 33.58 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores56th of 172position · derived448.04Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 32% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
United Arab Emirates 448.04 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2010
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary4th of 75position · derived65Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
top 4% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
United Arab Emirates 65 · world median 5.494 (better)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
No real change since 2018
Learning Poverty72nd of 125position · derived · 1 = worst25.9210-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 43% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
United Arab Emirates 25.92 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School46th of 172position · derived9.646Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 26% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
United Arab Emirates 9.646 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling16th of 193position · derived12.99Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 8% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
United Arab Emirates 12.99 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +27 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary121st of 121position · derived · 1 = worst0.004Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 1% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
United Arab Emirates 0.004 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2018
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarytop 47%5.682Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
top 47% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
United Arab Emirates 5.682 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2018
PISA Mathematics Performance42nd of 79position · derived431.11Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 47% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
United Arab Emirates 431.11 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance47th of 79position · derived417.35Mean reading score2022
bottom 41% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
United Arab Emirates 417.35 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance46th of 79position · derived431.98Mean science score2022
bottom 42% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
United Arab Emirates 431.98 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2012
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate40th of 120position · derived82.17Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 33% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
United Arab Emirates 82.17 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2018
School Life Expectancy27th of 77position · derived15.78School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
top 34% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
United Arab Emirates 15.78 · world median 14.59 (better)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2018
Secondary School Enrolment30th of 109position · derived102.13Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 27% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
United Arab Emirates 102.13 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2018
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio35th of 95position · derived63.74Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
top 36% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
United Arab Emirates 63.74 · world median 52.77 (better)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2018
Upper Secondary Attainment34th of 95position · derived77.82Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
top 35% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
United Arab Emirates 77.82 · world median 65.76 (better)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2016
Youth Literacy Ratetop 26%99.6115–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 26% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
United Arab Emirates 99.61 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing11
Gender Inequality Index13th of 172rank0.04GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 7% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
United Arab Emirates 0.04 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths189th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.54Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 9% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
United Arab Emirates 0.54 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index43rd of 172position · derived0.673HCI score (0–1)2020
top 25% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.673 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index15th of 193rank0.94HDI score (0–1)2023
top 7% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.94 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate164th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst3.781Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 18% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
United Arab Emirates 3.781 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 6542nd of 222position · derived20.01Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
United Arab Emirates 20.01 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth21st of 222position · derived82.91Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 9% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
United Arab Emirates 82.91 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio189th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst2.54Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 3% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
United Arab Emirates 2.54 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity120th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst0.9Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 9% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
United Arab Emirates 0.9 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
United Arab Emirates 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2013
Under-Five Mortality Rate162nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst4.789Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 19% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
United Arab Emirates 4.789 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital6
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
United Arab Emirates 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield2nd of 179position · derived23,307Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 1% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
United Arab Emirates 23,307 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Coefficient of Human Inequality147th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst7.876Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 13% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
United Arab Emirates 7.876 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index111th of 184position · derived0.957Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 40% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
United Arab Emirates 0.957 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index16th of 169position · derived0.866IHDI (0–1)2023
top 9% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.866 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2016
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI111th of 156position · derived0.585PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 28% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.585 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability22
Agricultural Emissions120th of 193position · derived5,313Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 40% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
United Arab Emirates 5,313 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land11th of 121position · derived23.99Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
top 8% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
United Arab Emirates 23.99 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land193rd of 209position · derived5.515Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 8% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
United Arab Emirates 5.515 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person196th of 206position · derived0.005Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 5% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
United Arab Emirates 0.005 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity98th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst467.53Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 49% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
United Arab Emirates 467.53 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▲ +37 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)69th of 190rank0.416ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 36% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
United Arab Emirates 0.416 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita7th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst20.13Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 3% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
United Arab Emirates 20.13 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 7%6.782Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 7% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
United Arab Emirates 6.782 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare17th of 188position · derived326.89Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 8% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
United Arab Emirates 326.89 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area181st of 210position · derived4.468Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 15% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
United Arab Emirates 4.468 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster97th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst2,100New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 39% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
United Arab Emirates 2,100 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2017
Land Under Cereal Production165th of 179position · derived945Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 8% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
United Arab Emirates 945 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density14th of 188position · derived3.09Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 7% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
United Arab Emirates 3.09 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation105th of 190position · derived31.73Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 46% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
United Arab Emirates 31.73 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index56th of 190rank53.69ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 29% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
United Arab Emirates 53.69 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area65th of 150position · derived1.36Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 41% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
United Arab Emirates 1.36 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita178th of 181position · derived14.89Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 2% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
United Arab Emirates 14.89 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation153rd of 190position · derived8.812Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 21% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
United Arab Emirates 8.812 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress2nd of 177position · derived · 1 = worst1,437Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 1% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
United Arab Emirates 1,437 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector102nd of 171position · derived51.18Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 41% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
United Arab Emirates 51.18 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 43%8.693Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 43% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
United Arab Emirates 8.693 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index78th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst5.97WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 40% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
United Arab Emirates 5.97 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 38%104.6Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
United Arab Emirates 104.6 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2013
Women's Political Empowerment Index131st of 176position · derived0.614Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 26% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.614 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index150th of 176position · derived0.082Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.082 · world median 0.339 (worse)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index147th of 176position · derived0.124Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 16% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.124 · world median 0.321 (worse)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index165th of 176position · derived0.063Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
bottom 6% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.063 · world median 0.693 (worse)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media152nd of 176position · derived-1.693Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
bottom 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
United Arab Emirates -1.693 · world median 0.565 (worse)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns135th of 176position · derived-0.724Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
bottom 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
United Arab Emirates -0.724 · world median 1.023 (worse)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indexbottom 42%0.125Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
bottom 42% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
United Arab Emirates 0.125 · world median 0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index174th of 176position · derived0.031Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.031 · world median 0.298 (worse)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2015
Physical Violence Index113th of 176position · derived0.633Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 36% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
United Arab Emirates 0.633 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
United Arab Emirates 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
INFORM Risk Index159th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.3INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 16% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
United Arab Emirates 2.3 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence58th of 211position · derived0.826Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 27% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
United Arab Emirates 0.826 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
No real change since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors170th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-3.134Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 1% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
United Arab Emirates -3.134 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 34%252Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 34% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
United Arab Emirates 252 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 37%6,257Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 37% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
United Arab Emirates 6,257 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 32%1,377Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 32% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
United Arab Emirates 1,377 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
No real change since 2015
Mobility & Trade2
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 5%100Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 5% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
United Arab Emirates 100 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Net Migration Ratetop 1%28.19Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
United Arab Emirates 28.19 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 24%-0.135Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 24% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
United Arab Emirates -0.135 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationtop 7%22.92Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
top 7% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
United Arab Emirates 22.92 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
▲ +51 percentile points since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 2%455.11Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 2% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
United Arab Emirates 455.11 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 20%70.74Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 20% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 70.74 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 26%53.89Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 26% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
United Arab Emirates 53.89 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 26%9.774Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 26% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
United Arab Emirates 9.774 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 1%0.932Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
United Arab Emirates 0.932 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 49%31.23Median age (years)2023
bottom 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
United Arab Emirates 31.23 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 1%1.696Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
United Arab Emirates 1.696 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Densitytop 35%149.84People per square kilometre of land2023
top 35% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
United Arab Emirates 149.84 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 2%3.704Population growth (% per year)2023
top 2% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
United Arab Emirates 3.704 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 24%16.34Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
United Arab Emirates 16.34 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 1%177.87Males per 100 females2023
top 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
United Arab Emirates 177.87 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 1%22People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
United Arab Emirates 22 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 7%1.2Live births per woman2023
bottom 7% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
United Arab Emirates 1.2 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include United Arab Emirates. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution · last seen 2021
- Adjusted Net Savings
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Child Marriage
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Dietary Energy Supply
- Ecological Footprint
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2022
- Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
- Firms with a Female Top Manager
- GDP Growth · last seen 2024
- GDP per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- GDP per Person Employed · last seen 2024
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2023
- Gini Index · last seen 2018
- Global Militarisation Index · last seen 2017
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2023
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2021
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2021
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- Household Consumption · last seen 2023
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2018
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2018
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- INFORM Severity Index
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2018
- Mobile Phone Ownership
- Net Official Development Assistance Received · last seen 1995
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2018
- Pesticide Use per Hectare
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2018
- Primary Completion Rate
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2018
- Public Sector Employment
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2021
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Smartphone Ownership
- Social Institutions and Gender Index
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2018
- Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
- Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · last seen 2021
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2023
- Trade Union Density
- Upper Secondary Completion Rate
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2023
08Keep reading
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09Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why United Arab Emirates can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 32 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
All 6 photographs of United Arab Emirates on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). United Arab Emirates: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/united-arab-emirates