UAE Tops MENA for Quality of Life

The Best Place in the MENA Region and 15th Globally According to the UN

According to the UN's latest 2025 Human Development Index (HDI), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked as the best country in the MENA region and the Arab world in terms of quality of life, securing 15th place globally. This achievement sees it surpassing major countries like Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Austria, Japan, France, Spain, and Italy.

Understanding the Human Development Index

The Human Development Index measures the development of countries based on three main dimensions:

1. A long and healthy life - based on life expectancy.

2. Knowledge and education - the quality and accessibility of education.

3. A decent standard of living - income per capita and economic stability.

The index is divided into four categories:

Very high human development

High human development

Medium human development

Low human development

The UAE falls into the highest category of very high human development, joining the ranks of the top 74 developed countries globally. In the region, four other Gulf countries also qualify for this category: Saudi Arabia (37th), Qatar (43rd), Oman (50th), and Kuwait (52nd).

Remarkable Progress in Recent Years

The country's progress over the past years has been impressive. Its HDI score was 0.713 in 1990, increased to 0.857 by 2015, and reached 0.940 in 2023. This represents a rise of 27 places in eight years, indicating significant advancement. The UAE's government strategy, focusing on a diversified economy, education, and healthcare development, has played a pivotal role in this progress.

A Magnet for AI Experts

The UN report highlights UAE as the third-largest attractor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals worldwide, ahead of many developed countries. Only Luxembourg and Switzerland surpass it in this area. In the MENA region and the Arab world, UAE leads in the proliferation of AI expertise, with a global standing slightly below the average.

This result is not accidental, as the government's emphasis on the development and application of AI technologies has been notable. AI education has been made compulsory in state schools from as early as age four. This ensures that future generations learn the basics of artificial intelligence early on and are prepared for future technological challenges.

The Global AI Landscape

According to the UN report, AI development worldwide is still dominated by the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. Most large AI models are created in these countries, while in the Middle East, UAE and Saudi Arabia are the main hubs of significant developments. In terms of investments, the USA and China lead, while the Middle East region features a $0.7 billion investment.

Why is the UAE Appealing to AI Experts?

The answer is simple: excellent infrastructural developments, high-level technological integration, and government support. The country responds swiftly to technological innovations and provides a favorable environment for innovation. Attractive opportunities are available to AI experts, including research programs, government projects, and competitive job offers in the private sector.

Conclusion

The UAE holds a prominent position globally not just in the MENA region in terms of quality of life. Continuous advancements in healthcare, education, and artificial intelligence ensure that the country remains an attractive destination for highly skilled professionals. The UN report has merely confirmed what many already knew: the UAE is one of the most dynamically developing countries in the world.

(Source of the article: UN Human Development Index 2025 study.)