The UAE has secured fifth place globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, topping the Economic Performance pillar and leading 21 global indicators, according to the report published by Switzerland's International Institute for Management Development.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the results reflect steady national progress under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership. The UAE ranked first worldwide in categories including bureaucracy, government policy adaptability, employment, and air transport quality, while placing second in citizen trust in artificial intelligence and firm creation, and third in international reputation and AI access.
The country also ranked within the top 10 globally across 118 indicators and within the top five in 67 key criteria. The 2026 edition evaluated 70 economies across four pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure, reinforcing the UAE's positioning as a global hub for investment, talent, and innovation.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer