UAE Named World’s 5th Most Competitive Economy
The UAE ranked 5th globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 and placed 1st in Economic Performance. The country also led 21 global indicators and ranked in the top 5 across 67 areas, showing. . .
The UAE ranked 5th globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 and placed 1st in Economic Performance. The country also led 21 global indicators and ranked in the top 5 across 67 areas, showing strong progress in jobs, government policy, AI, business, and infrastructure. DUBAI: The UAE has beenranked5th in the worldin overall competitiveness, according to theIMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026. The announcement was highlighted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. He said the result shows how the UAE continues to strengthen its development under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The country also ranked1st globally in Economic Performance, one of the four main factors used in the report. Image: Emirates News AgencyContentsFirst in 21 Global MeasuresStrong Showing in AI, Cities, and BusinessHow the IMD Ranking WorksFirst in 21 Global MeasuresThe UAE ranked1st globally in 21 indicators. These include Bureaucracy, Adaptability of Government Policy, Employment, International Experience, National Culture, Value System, and Quality of Air Transportation. It also placed in thetop 5 globally across 67 indicatorsand in thetop 10 across 118 indicators. Sheikh Mohammed said competitiveness is not just a ranking for the UAE. He said it is a daily standard that helps improve quality of life, build the world’s confidence, and move the country toward more prosperity. Strong Showing in AI, Cities, and BusinessThe UAE also recorded high rankings in several fast-growing areas. It ranked2nd globallyin Citizen Trust in AI, Creation of Firms, Females in Parliament, and Management of Cities. It placed3rd globallyin Image Abroad or Branding, Society’s Access to AI, Tourism Receipts, Exports of Goods, and Energy Infrastructure. It also ranked4th globallyin Government Efficiency, Companies Investment in AI, and Legal and Regulatory Framework. These results show the UAE’s focus on digital transformation, city management, business growth, tourism, and modern public services. How the IMD Ranking WorksThe IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook is published by the World Competitiveness Centre at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 2026 edition covers70 economies. It uses statistical data and executive opinion surveys from the global business community. The report measures how well countries manage resources and support sustainable prosperity. It is built around four main factors: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency, and Infrastructure. It also covers 20 sub-factors and 342 criteria across economic, administrative, and social areas.