UAE: World's Happiest Citizens?

UAE: Does It Have the World's Happiest Citizens? Gallup Survey Provides Insight

During the international dialogues about the future of the world’s governments, there is increasing focus on how well decision-makers understand and perceive the real issues of their own citizens. The latest global survey by Gallup, released during the World Government Summit, brought surprising yet unsurprising results for many: the United Arab Emirates ranked first in the global public satisfaction ranking.

This outstanding position is not merely a statistical outcome but rather a reflection of deeper social and governmental processes. The study surveyed citizens from more than one hundred countries, including both developed and developing nations, to gather their views on what they consider their most pressing problem and how they perceive the future of their country.

Why Does the UAE Stand Out?

The research found that nearly one-third of the UAE's population does not identify any significant problems in their daily lives — whether in terms of the economy, the labor market, governmental performance, public safety, or general living standards. With this result, the UAE has surpassed the next two Gulf countries, Kuwait and Bahrain.

One of the survey's key lessons is that people do not sense progress in GDP growth percentages, but through the presence of security, dignity, and opportunities. Daily experiences and feelings determine how individuals perceive their levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

What Concerns UAE Citizens?

Although the UAE performed exceptionally well, the research also identified areas that still need improvement. Nineteen percent of residents pointed to environmental issues as the primary concern, followed by the labor market (12%), infrastructure condition (12%), and the economy itself (7%).

This order reflects not so much complaints but rather priorities. Most residents, therefore, no longer face a lack of basic needs or existential security but are focused on the fine-tuning of sustainability, long-term development, and quality of life.

Trust in the Future: Will Future Generations Also Benefit?

This year's Edelman Trust Barometer data also supports the positive image. In the UAE, 63 percent of respondents believe that the next generation will live better than the current one, nearly double the global average (32%).

This highly optimistic outlook once again shows that residents are not only satisfied with their current situation but have strong trust in the direction of the country's development.

International Comparison: Where Does the World Feel the Pain Most?

Globally, the most common problem people perceive is the economy (in 71 countries). This is especially true for young adults aged 15 to 34 and women, who are more sensitive to economic uncertainties.

The relation to jobs is the second most significant global concern. Unemployment is not the only reason: in many cases, people feel there is no real connection to the economy or long-term perspectives.

Political dissatisfaction prevails mainly in developed countries, while instability and wars make physical security a priority. In places where the lack of public security is a daily reality, everything else takes a back seat. In contrast, stability, order, and predictability in the UAE contribute to general societal satisfaction.

What Might Be Behind UAE's Success?

Several factors may have led to this extraordinary result:

Public Security: UAE’s public areas are safe, and the trust in law enforcement agencies is strong among citizens and residents.

Economic Diversification: The country does not rely solely on oil revenues but invests in innovation, tourism, digital services, and education.

Transparent Government Operations: The digitization of state organs and client-focused operations are exemplary worldwide.

Future-Oriented Planning: Steps taken in artificial intelligence, space research, and renewable energy sources show that the UAE is thinking long-term.

Closing Thoughts

The UAE's resident satisfaction results measured by Gallup are not just statistical curiosities but a confirmation of solid social and governmental performance. The country's leadership consciously and actively works to ensure that residents not only survive but also enjoy their everyday lives — something hundreds of millions worldwide see with envy. The UAE's example also highlights that people need more than economic growth; they need security, dignity, and the feeling that there is a future — all of which the UAE increasingly provides.