The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked first globally in international trade and economic performance in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, according to data released by the Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Center (GCC-Stat). These rankings underscore the UAE’s status as the most competitive economy in the Gulf region.
The IMD report evaluates countries based on four main pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The UAE’s leading position reflects its trade openness, diversified economy, and competitiveness in international markets. The country has expanded its network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, invested heavily in logistics and ports, and bolstered its status as a global aviation hub. Policies aimed at attracting investment and supporting growth beyond the oil sector have also contributed to its top ranking.
Beyond trade and economic performance, the UAE has recently attained other notable international recognitions. It remained the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) within the Arab world in 2025, drawing $48.2 billion, the highest share in the Middle East and North Africa region. The nation also ranked among the world’s top 10 countries in a recent global Best Countries index, reflecting improvements in entrepreneurship, economic influence, quality of life, and international reputation.
Education has been a focal point of the UAE’s development strategy. The country achieved a place among the world’s top 20 for future-ready education, a result of investments in digital learning, skills development, and programs addressing emerging technologies. Dubai, a central business and financial hub, has further established itself as a global wealth center, registering the fastest increase in millionaire rankings worldwide, aided by its favorable business environment, connectivity, and living standards.
Additionally, the UAE retained the world’s strongest passport according to a recent global passport index, signifying high levels of international mobility due to extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival access for Emirati citizens. Dubai International Airport continues to be the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, reinforcing the country’s connectivity.
The broader Gulf region also demonstrated strong competitiveness in specific areas. Qatar secured second place globally in the Labour Market category under the Business Efficiency pillar. Bahrain ranked third worldwide in Price Stability, reflecting effective macroeconomic policies. Saudi Arabia took third place in Basic Infrastructure, indicative of substantial investment in transport, utilities, and development projects aimed at economic diversification. Kuwait was third globally for Public Finance under Government Efficiency, demonstrating robust fiscal management, while Oman placed sixth worldwide in Tax Policy.
According to GCC-Stat, these rankings highlight the advanced economic positions held by Gulf countries and affirm the outcomes of structural reforms and policy measures implemented across the region. The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook remains one of the most widely recognized assessments of national competitiveness, blending statistical data and executive survey feedback to evaluate global economies.