The UAE is first in the Arab world and twenty-first globally in the World Happiness Index

The UAE achieved first place in the Arab world and twenty-first in the world in the World Happiness Index, according to the World Happiness Report for 2026, which was issued by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, with support from data from the Gallo Foundation.

147 countries were evaluated, and the classification was based on various criteria such as per capita GDP, average life expectancy, personal freedom, generosity, social support, and the level of corruption in the government and commercial sectors, as the UAE achieved 6.8 points in the World Happiness Index.
This classification confirms the UAE’s position as one of the most stable and prosperous countries in the world, ahead of many leading global economies.

In specific sub-indices, the UAE ranked fourth globally in the freedom of citizens to make life choices, eighth in the per capita GDP of 70,000 US dollars, and nineteenth in the generosity index, which reflects the volume of charitable contributions made by its residents.
The country also ranked thirtieth in average life expectancy.