• | 12:00 pm

Qatar emerges as MENA’s least stressed nation, ranks 11th worldwide

Within the GCC, the UAE ranked second after Qatar, followed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Qatar emerges as MENA’s least stressed nation, ranks 11th worldwide
[Source photo: Krishna Prasad/Fast Company Middle East]

Qatar has been ranked as the least stressed country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to CEOWorld Magazine’s 2025 Global Emotions Report. The survey, conducted between December 2, 2024, and January 12, 2025, placed Qatar 11th globally and third in Asia, with a total score of 84.3.

The report assessed stress across four categories: work-related stress (94.23), money stress (93.46), social and family stress (80.08), and health and safety stress (69.44).

Globally, Monaco topped the list with a score of 87.33, followed by Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Ireland. In Asia, Singapore (7th globally, 85.28) and Macao (10th globally, 84.54) ranked first and second, respectively. 

Within the GCC, the UAE ranked second after Qatar, placing 25th globally, followed by Saudi Arabia (38th), Kuwait (40th), and Bahrain (43rd).

At the other end of the spectrum, Burundi emerged as the world’s most stressed country, followed by South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Malawi. The report highlighted that stress sources vary by region, with armed conflict dominating in developing countries and workplace pressures prevailing in developed economies. Additionally, over one-third of respondents reported experiencing “a lot of stress” the day before the survey.

Qatar’s high ranking reflects its significant investments in healthcare, education, and housing. The country’s healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in the region, providing universal access to quality medical services. Educational initiatives offer world-class learning opportunities, while the government promotes work-life balance through flexible work arrangements, recreational facilities, and community events. Qatar’s consistent position as one of the safest countries globally, with low crime rates and political stability, also contributes to low-stress levels.

This recognition by CEOWorld Magazine highlights Qatar’s commitment to creating a stress-free environment, aligning with its National Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance sustainability, diversify the economy, and improve overall quality of life.

More Top Stories:

FROM OUR PARTNERS