The United Arab Emirates has reached a major milestone in its global development journey. During a recent cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it was revealed that the UAE now ranks fifth globally in the 2025 Global Competitiveness Report. This puts the country among the top five nations worldwide for economic competitiveness, government efficiency, legal strength, and business environment.

This leap in global standing reflects years of deliberate planning, bold policy-making, and collaborative efforts across both public and private sectors. The UAE scored 96.09 out of 100, advancing two places from the previous year and outperforming countries like the United States, Germany, and Canada.

From Regional Leader to Global Power

This isn’t a sudden rise—it’s a result of long-term vision. Sixteen years ago, the UAE established a national competitiveness center to unite government and private sector efforts. In 2009, the country was ranked 28th. Fast forward to 2025, and it now stands proudly among the world’s top five.

The UAE was recognized globally for several indicators:

• #1 for minimal bureaucracy

• #2 for adaptability to change

• #4 for government efficiency

• #3 for overall business competitiveness

Moreover, the country was among the top ten globally in 113 different indicators, covering employment, digital innovation, investment climate, public-private partnerships, and women’s representation in parliament.

Focus on Community and Innovation

Sheikh Mohammed also announced several impactful initiatives during the cabinet meeting:

• Housing approvals worth AED 1.2 billion were granted to over 1,800 Emirati families in the first half of 2025.

• The Emirates Balanced Development Council continues its work to revitalize rural and urban areas alike, creating job opportunities and fostering local businesses.

• The UAE Pass system saw over 11 million users and supported more than 2.6 billion digital transactions, simplifying services and enhancing transparency.

Additionally, steps were taken to strengthen the UAE’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts, including a renewed committee led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. The cabinet also approved the creation of the National Maritime Navigation Center to oversee maritime traffic and environmental safety.

Economic Diplomacy and Global Reach

The UAE is also making waves internationally. In 2024 alone:

• It finalized 27 comprehensive economic agreements with key global partners.

• 10 agreements have already come into effect.

• The country’s trade volume reached over AED 5.2 trillion, with exports crossing the AED 2.2 trillion mark.

Foreign direct investment also rose significantly, reaching AED 113 billion, while non-oil exports hit a record AED 440 billion.

A Nation Shaping the Future

As Sheikh Mohammed noted during the meeting, this progress is the result of continuous effort—and with leadership, unity, and vision, the best is yet to come.