UAE Climbs to 15th in Global Human Development Index, Retains Top Arab Spot
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates has significantly advanced its global standing in human development, rising 11 places to rank 15th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The achievement secures the UAE’s position among countries classified as having “very high human development” and reaffirms its distinction as the only Arab nation within the global top 20.
The UAE’s enhanced HDI ranking reflects its holistic development strategy, which places human wellbeing at the core of national policy. The country’s integrated approach — combining world-class healthcare, quality education, and sustainable economic growth — has positioned it as a leading global model for human capital development and long-term resilience.
The 2025 Human Development Report, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, assigned the UAE an HDI score of 0.94, placing it ahead of countries such as Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.
According to the report, the UAE achieved key developmental milestones across the HDI’s four main indicators:
- Life expectancy at birth reached 82.9 years, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on “Good Health and Well-being.”
- Expected years of schooling stood at 15.6, with an average of 13 years, contributing to SDG 4 on quality education.
- Gross national income per capita was recorded at $71,142, reinforcing progress under SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Commenting on the achievement, Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, stated:
“The UAE’s leading position in the HDI is a direct result of our continued investment in a healthcare system that is both innovative and inclusive, ensuring quality services for all in line with our national vision for a healthy and sustainable society.”
Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasized the strategic role of education in national progress:
“Education remains the cornerstone of our development. Our policies are forward-looking and adaptive, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills necessary for leadership and innovation — particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.”
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, highlighted the UAE’s human-centric development model:
“Our rise in the HDI rankings is a testament to the UAE’s proactive and inclusive policymaking. We view healthcare, education, and innovation as interconnected pillars for building a future that empowers all segments of society.”
The report also addressed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping human development. It cautioned against widening disparities between high- and low-development countries and called for adaptive, people-centered strategies to enhance healthcare, education, and living standards in the digital era.
Reflecting the UAE’s growing stature as a hub for digital talent, the country ranked third globally in net migration of AI-skilled professionals in 2023, based on LinkedIn data. The report noted that high-income nations such as the UAE are net beneficiaries of advanced talent, while lower-income countries often face talent outflows.
The UNDP urged a more equitable and cooperative global digital economy — one that harmonizes human potential with AI-driven innovation for inclusive and sustainable growth.
With its continued upward trajectory in human development, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to empowering people through knowledge, technology, and strategic foresight, cementing its role as a leader in shaping the future of sustainable development.
