#10
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making its way up the Best Countries ranking for several years, and this year rises seven places to make its entrance into the top 10.
It became a country in 1971, when seven emirates united to form a federation, and together they kickstarted the complete transformation of the area. What was once a quiet fishing and pearling zone has, thanks to oil, finance, tourism and investment in innovation, become a major trade and transport hub.
The UAE is the highest-ranking country in the world this year on the Movers metric, which reflects perceptions of it being a dynamic, up-and-coming place that stands out as unique.
The UAE ranks #1 in the world for having a favourable tax environment and is seen as a well-connected country with a good job market. It’s perceived to be a powerful player in the region, and as an entrepreneurial country with well-developed infrastructure, technological expertise, and easy access to capital.
The 10 factors that determine a country’s brand
Why is United Arab Emirates seen as the 10th best country in the world in 2026?
People surveyed for Best Countries were asked how closely they associated 73 attributes with a range of countries. These attributes were then grouped into 10 categories that were used to calculate the Best Countries ranking.
The weighting of each category in the final index is determined by the strength of its correlation to per capita GDP and forecast GDP for 2030.
United Arab Emirates' top and bottom attributes
Each factor is made up by combining a selection of 73 attributes that track how people perceive each country. These are United Arab Emirates' top and bottom ones.
#1
Distinctive
#1
Favorable tax environment
#2
Dynamic
#84
Cares about animal rights
#82
Athletically talented
#82
Gender equality
The percepions of United Arab Emirates have changed over time
United Arab Emirates has not always been seen as the #10 best country in the world. Explore how the perceptions of United Arab Emirates have changed over time.
How do people in United Arab Emirates see the world?
If we were to only ask people in United Arab Emirates how they see the world the Best Countries ranking would be different. This is how they see it.
