Dubai, UAE: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has affirmed that the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world’s most competitive nations, following strong performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026.
The UAE ranked 5th globally, securing 1st place in Economic Performance and leading across 21 global indicators, according to the report published by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland.
Strong global standing
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the results reflect the country’s steady progress under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE continues to affirm its place among the world’s most competitive nations,” His Highness said.
He added that competitiveness is not simply a ranking, but a standard that drives the country’s development and enhances quality of life.
Top rankings across key indicators
The UAE achieved first place globally in several indicators, including bureaucracy, adaptability of government policy, employment, international experience, national culture, value system and quality of air transportation.
The country also ranked second globally in areas such as citizen trust in artificial intelligence, creation of firms, female representation in parliament and city management.
It secured third place in indicators including international reputation, access to artificial intelligence, tourism receipts, exports of goods and energy infrastructure, and fourth place in government efficiency, company investment in AI and the legal and regulatory framework.
Broad progress across sectors
The results reflect continued advancement across multiple sectors, including labour markets, innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure, education and government policy.
The UAE also ranked within the top 10 globally in 118 indicators and within the top 5 in 67 key criteria, highlighting its strong overall performance.
Sustained development vision
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the UAE will continue to build on its position as a global destination for investment, talent and innovation.
“These results are the product of a national vision and capable institutions that deliver across all sectors,” he said.
Global benchmark index
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook is one of the world’s leading references for assessing national competitiveness. The 2026 edition evaluated 70 economies based on statistical data and executive opinion surveys.
The rankings are based on four main pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
The UAE’s strong performance reinforces its standing as a leading global hub for economic growth and innovation, supporting long-term prosperity and competitiveness.