UAE rises in Global Happiness Index 2025, ranks above UK, US, France

Khaleej Times

20-03-2025

The UAE has improved its ranking — to 21st — in the World Happiness Index 2025, positioning itself above the UK, the US, Germany, France, Singapore and all Arab countries.
Interestingly, the UAE is 16th in the world on donating money and 19th on volunteering time, but ranked 67th in the world on helping a stranger.
The survey placed UAE 12th in the world on believing that a stranger would return a lost wallet, according to findings published in the World Happiness Report 2025 released by Gallup.
The UAE ranks generally high in the happiness index 'because it has a strong economy, high levels of social support, robust infrastructure,' said Julie Ray, managing editor, World News at Gallup.
'And in many respects, it has a strong culture of giving – which we know is related to happiness,' Ray told Khaleej Times.
The survey found that perceptions of the job market, economic conditions and living standards are some of the most positive in years that contributed to the happiness of the people in the UAE.
'Happiness isn't just about wealth or growth — it's about trust, connection and knowing people have your back. This year's report proves we underestimate how kind the world really is. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other,' said Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup.
The UAE has declared 2025 as the 'Year of Community' to strengthen family and community bonds which also play a major role in the happiness of the society and communities.
'Human happiness is driven by our relationships with others. Investing in positive social connections and engaging in benevolent actions are both matched by greater happiness,' said Lara Aknin, professor of social psychology at Simon Fraser University and an editor of the World Happiness Report.
Country rankings are based on a three-year average of each population's average assessment of their quality of life.
Globally, Finland led the world in happiness for the eighth year in a row, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico.
While Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, DR Congo, Yemen, Comoros and Lesotho ranked at the bottom of the World Happiness Report 2025.