The UAE has achieved an outstanding triumph in the first half of 2026 by reinforcing its position among the world’s most competitive and dynamic economies. By dominating both the GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) report and the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, the nation has proven that its forward-looking policies and agile government framework are yielding extraordinary global results. These remarkable results reflect the country’s long-term development strategy, which is deeply underpinned by a strong focus on innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship, and comprehensive future readiness.
Unrivaled Environment for Entrepreneurs
In an era where fostering business innovation is critical to survival, the UAE retained its position as the world’s best environment for entrepreneurship for the fifth consecutive year. According to the GEM 2025/2026 report, the Emirates ranked first globally for the best place to start and grow a business. This is no small feat in a highly volatile global market.
Furthermore, the country ranked first among high-income economies in eight vital indicators. These include physical infrastructure, supportive government policies, taxation and bureaucracy reduction, government entrepreneurship programmes, research and development transfer, market access, and comprehensive entrepreneurship education. The Emirates also placed second globally for entrepreneurial finance and access to funding. Impressively, it was one of only four economies worldwide to achieve above-sufficiency scores across all entrepreneurship framework conditions established by GEM.
Economic Performance at the Pinnacle
The nation’s economic momentum was equally celebrated in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026. The UAE ranked first globally for economic performance and secured the fifth position overall among 70 global economies. It also proudly maintained its regional lead for the 10th consecutive year, ranking fourth worldwide for government efficiency, corporate investment in artificial intelligence, and the adaptability of its legal and regulatory framework.
Highlighting the structural strength required to achieve such rankings, Arturo Bris, Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, remarked on the broader global landscape in the 2026 report: “Geopolitical conditions are worsening, and global fragmentation is increasing. Nations with their own tried and tested, credible institutions gain an advantage in this context because, as the international systems cease to serve so many national needs, businesses can carry on as usual.” The UAE exemplifies this institutional credibility perfectly.
Its strong performance placed the UAE among the world’s top 10 in 118 different competitiveness indicators and the top five in 67 indicators. It ranked first globally in 21 distinct measures, including the absence of bureaucracy, adaptability of government policies, overall employment, availability of international talent, national culture, societal support for competitiveness, and air transport quality. Additionally, the UAE ranked second globally in public confidence in artificial intelligence and business creation, while placing third for international image, tourism receipts, and energy infrastructure.
Safety, Trust, and Global Soft Power
Beyond purely economic metrics like the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, the country showcased immense strength in global influence. The UAE remained among the world’s top 10 in the 2026 Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index for the fourth consecutive year, recording its highest-ever governance ranking.
Moreover, the Emirates reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s safest and most attractive countries in which to live and work. It topped Numbeo’s 2026 Safety Index globally, while the capital, Abu Dhabi, proudly retained its position as the world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year, dating back to 2017. Complementing this safe environment is unparalleled public confidence; the country ranked first globally in the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer for public trust in government.
A Magnet for Global Wealth
Capital follows stability and opportunity, which explains why the UAE ranked first globally for the second successive year as the leading destination for wealthy migrants. According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2026, the nation achieved the world’s highest Wealth Mobility Competitiveness Index score of 85.3 out of 100.
These latest rankings across GEM, the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, and various other international indices underscore the UAE‘s continued, relentless progress. By balancing stellar economic governance with an exceptional quality of life, the nation has undeniably cemented its position among the world’s most competitive and future-ready economies.
