UAE Ranked as a Top Country for Happiness, Safety, Entrepreneurship and Soft Power in 2025
The UAE has maintained its rising performance in the global competitiveness race during the first quarter of 2025 by achieving advanced positions in many relevant international and regional indicators and reports.
The achieved results signified the effectiveness and efficiency of the comprehensive development strategy pursued by the UAE, and the leadership of its experience in managing government work based on efficiency, proactive planning, and readiness to deal with various changes and challenges.
The UAE has been ranked number one globally for the fourth consecutive year by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for the year 2024-2025, surpassing many advanced economies.
UAE competitiveness
The UAE was also recognised as the world's best destination for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) among 56 economies surveyed in this year's report.
The UAE ranked first among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key indicators, evaluating the institutional frameworks that support entrepreneurship, based on expert assessments.
The country outperformed globally in areas including: Financing for entrepreneurial projects
Ease of fund access
Government policies supporting entrepreneurship
Government-related tax and bureaucracy policies
Government entrepreneurship programs
Integration of entrepreneurship in school and high education
Research and development transfer
Commercial and professional infrastructure
Ease of market entry in terms of burdens and regulatory frameworks
Social and cultural standards towards entrepreneurship
The UAE has secured 10th place globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2025.
The UAE's Nation Brand also witnessed a significant increase in its value to $1.223tn dollars in 2025.
The Global Soft Power Index, published by Brand Finance, evaluates 193 countries based on insights from 173,000 business leaders, policymakers, and civil society figures, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments of national influence and perception.
The UAE was among the top 10 globally in key categories, ranking: 4th in Future Growth Potential
4th in Generous
7th in A strong and stable economy
8th in Influence
9th in International Relations
9th in Influential in diplomatic circles
9th Advanced technology and innovation
10th in Investment in Space Exploration
10th in Affairs I follow closely
The UAE has been ranked the second safest country globally, achieving a safety index score of 84.5, according to the 2025 Safety Index released by Numbeo.
Numbeo's annual safety rankings are based on user surveys that assess perceptions of crime levels, personal safety, and experiences with both property and violent crimes.
In addition to its high safety ranking, the UAE also recorded the second-lowest crime rate in Numbeo's 2025 Crime Index, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most secure nations worldwide.
The UAE is considered the second safest country in the world because it has strict laws regarding crime, drug use and public behaviour, with severe penalties for violations.
This acts as a deterrent to criminal activities. Law enforcement is highly efficient, with a strong police presence and a well-equipped security infrastructure.
The country also has extensive surveillance, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, helping authorities monitor and prevent crime effectively.
Artificial intelligence and smart policing initiatives are also contributing to quick crime detection and resolution.
The UAE's conducive environment for logistics, international trade and digital readiness shone on 2025 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index as the nation topped the Gulf rankings and came in third place globally.
This index is an international standard for competitiveness in the logistics services sector for emerging markets and is done by evaluating 50 emerging markets around the world based on critical factors for logistics service providers, such as domestic and international logistics opportunities, business fundamentals and digital readiness.
According to the index, the UAE continues its efforts to narrow the gap with the countries that top the rankings, reflecting the success of its investment strategy.
The Agility Index report also highlights the UAE's efforts in the areas of sustainability and renewable energy, as the country has invested heavily in clean energy projects.
The UAE has secured 21st place in the 2025 World Happiness Report, surpassing the UK, US, and France, and leading Arab Region.
This annual survey, compiled by Gallup, ranks 147 nations based on life satisfaction from 2022-2024.
The report assesses national happiness levels based on key indicators including: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, perceptions of corruption, and generosity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
29-04-2025
- Trade Arabia
DCT Abu Dhabi launches emirate-wide face recognition system in hotels
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, is deploying a cutting-edge Face Recognition System to further elevate efficiency and safety across the emirate's hotels, for both guests and employees. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's number one ranking globally in safety and security, holding the title of World's Safest City in Numbeo's Safety Index for nine consecutive years. Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Face Recognition System is designed to enhance guest verification processes, improve the overall guest experience, simplify procedures and significantly reduce check-in time. It has been launched following the signing of a cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The integration of the Face Recognition System underscores our shared commitment to pioneering advancements in smart tourism. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for both guests and hospitality sector employees. By working closely with ICP and our hotel partners and national authorities, we are ensuring a seamless, safer and more connected journey for every visitor.' This marks the first government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi to introduce face recognition technology in partnership with hotels, highlighting a forward-looking approach to security and hospitality. The system is now in a pilot phase at a handful of select hotels in the emirate. The first phase of the full rollout will commence across five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region, and the Al Dhafra Region, followed later by a second phase targeting four-star hotels, with gradual expansion to all remaining hotel categories. DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system. This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support. By streamlining check-in and check-out procedures, the technology also boosts operational efficiency and provides guests with a seamless, tech-enabled experience. The facial recognition system captures and analyses biometric data during guest check-in. The data is securely encrypted, retrieved from ICP and transmitted to a centralized database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi. In accordance with UAE cybersecurity and data privacy regulations. The data will be used exclusively for enhancing guest safety and streamlining hotel operations, while strictly adhering to legal and ethical standards. The cooperation agreement between DCT Abu Dhabi and ICP covers several strategic areas aimed at supporting digital transformation in Abu Dhabi's tourism sector. The agreement involves pilot projects, development of data protection mechanisms, and ensuring system integration between the two parties. The collaboration seeks to promote innovation, improve operational efficiency, and achieve the highest standards of cybersecurity and privacy, contributing to better tourism service quality and supporting the UAE's digitalisation efforts. - TradeArabia News Service
Daily Tribune
10-04-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini cos sparkle on the global stage
Nine local brands shine at Hong Kong Jewellery Show 2025 Export Bahrain successfully concluded its second consecutive participation in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2025, reaffirming its commitment to expanding global opportunities for Bahrain-based businesses in the jewellery and precious metals sector. Following the success of its previous participation last year, it has continued its efforts to enhance the international presence of local businesses. Through its collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Export Bahrain supported the participation of nine Bahrain-based businesses, effectively increasing the number of participants by 50% from the previous year at the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. This provided the businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products to a global audience and explore new international markets. During the event, Export Bahrain facilitated more than 180 meetings for the participating Bahrain-based businesses, averaging 30 daily interactions with buyers from diverse regions including Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China, India, Thailand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Italy. These meetings provided local businesses the opportunity to showcase their innovative business models and the distinctive value they offer to international clients. Significant opportunities The participation also resulted in significant opportunities and positive outcomes for the companies involved, including over 15 closed deals and 14 potential deals with manufacturers and suppliers of gemstones and essential raw materials. These agreements aim to foster innovation and business development in the sector. Additionally, the event opened new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange, while providing valuable insights into the latest technologies, design trends, and strategies for global market expansion. The local businesses showcased in the Kingdom of Bahrain pavilion identified numerous promising opportunities and positive outcomes that will enhance their growth and expansion in the region. This participation not only cultivated fruitful regional and global connections but also allowed Bahrain-based businesses to explore the latest innovations and advanced solutions in the jewellery and precious metals industry, including cutting-edge technologies, design trends, and strategies for entering international markets. Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of Export Bahrain, emphasized the significance of this participation, stating: 'Export Bahrain's participation reflects the Kingdom's commitment to driving economic growth by supporting the global expansion of Bahrain-based businesses. The jewellery and precious metals sector is a fundamental pillar of national exports, as the presence of local businesses in global markets opens new avenues for growth and provides strategic opportunities for establishing sustainable partnerships. Additionally, Export Bahrain plays a crucial role in empowering local businesses to expand globally as it provides the necessary support, including facilitating access to international markets and enhancing the competitiveness of national products, thereby contributing to greater global economic integration. Ms. Safa Sharif Abdulkhaleq, Chief Executive Officer of Export Bahrain, highlighted the importance of international exhibitions in promoting Bahraini products, adding: 'This successful participation underscores Export Bahrain's commitment to empowering Bahrain-based businesses by providing them with the necessary tools and platforms to enhance their global competitiveness. The deals and partnerships secured during this event will contribute to the long-term growth of exports and reinforce Bahrain's position as a leading hub for jewellery and precious metals.' Partnerships The participating Bahraini companies emphasized the significant value derived from this opportunity. Mr. Masood Jassim, PR Manager of Tababat Albahrain Jewellery, stated: 'This exhibition served as a pivotal platform to strengthen our brand's global presence and establish direct connections with international buyers. We are currently in advanced discussions to secure key strategic partnerships that will drive our expansion beyond the region, reaffirming the critical role of such platforms in fostering long-term growth and global competitiveness.' Ms. Fajer Al-Hashel, Founder of JeeJewels, added: 'Our participation in this exhibition, supported by Export Bahrain, provided us with a valuable opportunity to establish connections with key suppliers and industry partners, strengthening our business growth and market positioning. Furthermore, it has opened new prospects for expansion into the Japanese market, highlighting the significance of such platforms in facilitating long-term international success.' Mr. Ahmed Alnatei, General Manager at Al Safa Jewellery, commented: 'The Hong Kong Jewellery Show provided us with a strategic platform to engage directly with a diverse range of buyers and suppliers, allowing us to explore new partnerships. We have already initiated negotiations on several promising deals to introduce new and innovative collections that align with our customers both locally and internationally.'
Bahrain This Week
08-04-2025
- Bahrain This Week
stc Ranks as World's 3rd Strongest Telecom Brand
stc group, Saudi Arabia's leading digital enabler, has been ranked as the third strongest telecommunications brand globally in the 2024 Brand Finance Telecom 150 Report. Developed by Brand Finance, the world's leading independent brand valuation consultancy, the Telecom 150 Report is a dedicated industry ranking that assesses the world's top 150 strongest telecoms brands. Utilizing the Brand Strength Index (BSI), the 'Strongest Telecom Brand' ranking evaluates key factors such as resilience, customer perception, and the depth of a brand's relationship with its audience. This achievement highlights stc group's ability to outperform competitors in building trust, engagement, and lasting connections with its customers. Mohammed R. Abaalkheil, Vice President of Corporate Relations at stc group, commented: 'At stc group, we don't just keep up with change—we stay ahead of it. Our brand strength stems from this relentless pursuit of innovation, ensuring our customers always have access to cutting-edge, trusted digital solutions. By anticipating trends and shaping the future of connectivity, we empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to pushing boundaries, redefining possibilities, and delivering best-in-class technology with excellence and reliability.'
