UAE Achieves 15th Global Ranking in Human Development Index
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a significant leap in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI), securing the 15th position out of 193 nations. This marks an impressive climb of 11 spots from its 2021-2022 ranking, further establishing the UAE as a global leader in human development. The country’s commitment to human wellbeing is evident in its comprehensive strategy, which integrates healthcare, education, and economic growth, propelling it ahead of major global economies such as Canada, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Furthermore, the UAE remains the only Arab nation within the top 20 countries, underscoring its leadership role in the region and beyond.
The 2025 Human Development Report, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” highlights the UAE’s remarkable progress and provides an in-depth look at the factors that have contributed to its stellar ranking. At the heart of the UAE’s success lies its forward-thinking policies and continuous investment in human capital, ensuring that the country’s development is sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.
UAE’s Unwavering Commitment to Human Wellbeing
The UAE’s rise in the HDI rankings underscores its holistic approach to development, which places a strong emphasis on improving the quality of life for its people. With a clear focus on healthcare, education, and economic prosperity, the UAE has built a solid foundation for long-term growth. This development model prioritizes human-centric policies that cater to the needs of both citizens and residents, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to progress.
The UAE’s impressive 15th-place ranking reflects the country’s consistent commitment to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By aligning its national strategies with these global objectives, particularly SDGs related to health, education, and economic growth, the UAE has become a model for nations seeking to achieve high levels of human development.
Key Indicators Driving the UAE’s HDI Success
The 2025 HDI report evaluates countries based on several key indicators, including life expectancy, education, and income levels. For the UAE, these indicators reflect the country’s comprehensive approach to development, with notable achievements in health, education, and economic growth.
Health and Life Expectancy: Ensuring a Healthy Future Life expectancy in the UAE has reached an impressive 82.9 years, reflecting the country’s robust healthcare system and its successful efforts in promoting public health. This achievement aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure “Good Health and Well-being” for all people. The UAE’s healthcare system is characterized by high-quality services, innovative medical technologies, and accessible healthcare facilities. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, the Minister of Health and Prevention, attributes the UAE’s top-tier healthcare status to continuous investment in the sector, with an emphasis on preventative care, research, and the integration of new technologies.
Education: Shaping a Future-Focused Workforce
Education plays a crucial role in the UAE’s rise in the HDI rankings, with expected years of schooling reaching 15.6 and average years of schooling standing at 13. This performance highlights the country’s dedication to SDG 4, which advocates for “Quality Education” for all. The UAE’s education system is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills, ensuring that future generations are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, the UAE’s Minister of Education, highlighted the country’s commitment to educational reform, particularly in preparing students for the challenges posed by AI and other emerging technologies. By adopting adaptive, forward-looking education policies, the UAE is creating a competitive and innovative workforce ready to contribute to the global economy.
Economic Prosperity: Building a Strong Economic Foundation
The UAE’s economic performance continues to exceed expectations, with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $71,142. This impressive figure places the country among the wealthiest in the world and underscores the UAE’s success in promoting economic growth. The UAE has strategically diversified its economy, reducing its reliance on oil and investing in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, finance, and tourism. This diversification is key to its continued economic success and supports SDG 8, which focuses on “Decent Work and Economic Growth.”
The UAE’s focus on creating a diversified economy has played a vital role in maintaining its strong economic standing. By investing in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable industries, the UAE has positioned itself as a regional economic powerhouse with global influence.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping the Future
The 2025 Human Development Report emphasizes the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human development, particularly in shaping the future of work, education, and healthcare. AI is poised to be a key driver of economic growth and societal change in the coming years. The UAE has recognized the potential of AI and positioned itself as a leader in integrating this technology into its development strategy.
The UAE’s proactive embrace of AI has led to its ranking as the third global destination for AI-skilled professionals, according to LinkedIn data from 2023. This reflects the country’s growing reputation as a hub for AI talent, attracting highly skilled individuals from around the world. The UAE’s investment in AI-driven research, education, and infrastructure ensures that it remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
UAE as a Global Talent Hub for Innovation
One of the key factors behind the UAE’s success in the 2025 HDI rankings is its ability to attract top-tier talent, particularly in the fields of technology and innovation. The country has positioned itself as a magnet for skilled professionals, thanks to its business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and high quality of life.
The UAE ranked third globally in 2023 for net migration of AI-skilled professionals, further cementing its status as a global talent hub. The government’s commitment to creating an innovation-friendly ecosystem, coupled with its strong support for research and development, has attracted international professionals eager to contribute to the country’s technological advancement.
The UAE’s Vision for a Human-Centered Digital Economy
The 2025 Human Development Report underscores the growing importance of a human-centered digital economy, where people and technology work together to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. In response to this, the UAE has embraced a digital transformation strategy that focuses on empowering its citizens and residents with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the digital age.
By prioritizing education, healthcare, and economic development in its digital policies, the UAE is creating a future where technology enhances human potential. The country’s emphasis on fostering a knowledge-based economy positions it as a leader in the digital transformation journey, offering valuable lessons for other nations seeking to harness the potential of technology for human development.
The Growing Role of AI and Digital Innovation in the UAE’s Future
The integration of AI and other digital technologies into the UAE’s development strategy is central to the country’s future growth. As global economies continue to evolve in response to technological advancements, the UAE is positioning itself to lead in AI, sustainable technologies, and digital innovation. The government’s strategic investments in these areas, coupled with its focus on human capital, ensure that the UAE remains competitive on the world stage.
By embracing AI and technology as key drivers of its future, the UAE is not only shaping its own development but also contributing to global efforts to build a more sustainable and inclusive world. Through its commitment to innovation, human wellbeing, and economic growth, the UAE continues to pave the way for a prosperous future for all.
