Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that the UAE continues, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to advance its development journey and solidify its position as a global model of competitiveness and excellence across all sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, His Highness stated, "Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE continues to affirm its place among the world's most competitive nations. The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 ranks us 5th globally, 1st in Economic Performance, 1st across 21 indicators, including Bureaucracy, Adaptability of Government Policy and in the top 5 globally across 67 indicators."
His Highness emphasized that these achievements are the result of a national vision, capable institutions, and dedicated teams across various sectors. He noted that competitiveness is not merely a ranking for the UAE but a standard that defines the nation's daily endeavors. It enhances the quality of life, inspires global confidence, and confirms the UAE's steady progress towards a prosperous and leading future.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also highlighted the UAE's commitment to building on its status as a prime destination for investors, a hub for global talent, and a partner for entrepreneurs and innovators. The impressive results are seen as a testament to the strength and adaptability of the UAE's development model.
The UAE's performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, published by the World Competitiveness Centre at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, places the country in the top 10 globally across 118 indicators. Additionally, it ranks within the top 5 globally in 67 key criteria and sub-factors.
The country achieved the top global rank in 21 indicators, including Bureaucracy, Adaptability of Government Policy, Employment, International Experience, National Culture, Value System, and Quality of Air Transportation. Furthermore, the UAE ranked 2nd globally in Citizen Trust in AI, Creation of Firms, Females in Parliament, and Management of Cities. It secured 3rd place globally in Image Abroad or Branding, Society's Access to AI, Tourism Receipts, Exports of Goods and Energy Infrastructure, and 4th globally in Government Efficiency, Companies Investment in AI, and Legal and Regulatory Framework.
These results underscore the progress the UAE has made in labor markets, innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure, education, and government policy, reinforcing its competitive standing both regionally and globally.
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook is recognized as one of the world's most authoritative references for measuring national competitiveness. The 2026 edition evaluates 70 economies, utilizing statistical data and executive opinion surveys from the global business community to assess how effectively countries manage resources and deliver sustainable prosperity.
The Yearbook's framework is structured around four main factors: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency, and Infrastructure, encompassing 20 sub-factors and 342 competitiveness criteria spanning economic, administrative, and social dimensions.