The UAE has ranked fifth in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, outperforming major global economies including the United States, Sweden, and Germany.

The achievement was announced during a UAE Cabinet meeting, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohammed credited the UAE’s rise to years of sustained government coordination, noting that the country has moved up from 28th place in 2009. “With the vision of my brother, Mohamed bin Zayed, our future will continue to be even brighter and stronger,” he said.

The UAE ranked first globally in 22 indicators, including employment rate, digital transformation of companies, availability of global expertise, and female parliamentary representation. It also ranked second in social cohesion, residency law flexibility, and adaptability of government policy, and placed fourth in government efficiency.

Sheikh Mohammed also announced that more than 1,830 Emiratis received housing support in the first half of 2025, with grants exceeding $340 million, aimed at promoting family stability and quality of life.

The Cabinet reviewed several national initiatives, including the 2024 report of the Higher Commission for Free Trade Negotiations. To date, 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) have been signed, eight of which are now in force.

These efforts have contributed to a surge in foreign trade, which reached $1.42 trillion in 2024. Non-oil exports rose by 16.3% year-on-year to $119.9 billion, while re-exports totaled $186.4 billion. Foreign direct investment reached $30.8 billion in 2023.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Projects in Qidfa, Masfout, and Al Rams include markets, community spaces, eco-tourism initiatives, and the “Jothoor” program supporting female Emirati artisans.

In digital transformation, the Cabinet highlighted the success of the UAE’s Digital Identity system, which now serves over 11 million users and has enabled 600 million secure logins and 2.6 billion digital transactions.

Additionally, 13 international agreements were ratified, 36 new MoUs approved, and new UAE embassies and consulates announced in Africa, Central Asia, and the U.S., along with participation in 13 global events.