The United Arab Emirates ranks among the world’s most resilient nations, according to a recent study by Zurich Insurance Group and Zurich International Life Limited. The country earned a score of 4.25 on the Personal Resilience Index, surpassing the global average of 4.11, based on data collected from more than 11,000 participants across 16 markets, including 973 respondents from the UAE.
The Personal Resilience Index, developed with support from Oxford Research and Development Partners, evaluates resilience across five dimensions: psychological, physical, social, financial, and digital. The UAE outperformed the global average in all categories, with physical and social resilience identified as its strongest areas.
The study highlights several key factors underpinning the nation’s resilience, including widespread confidence, a strong sense of belonging, and effective leadership. It emphasizes that resilience in the UAE extends beyond individual characteristics, reflecting a broader national ecosystem that fosters wellbeing, opportunity, and community cohesion.
Government initiatives promoting mental health have been well received by residents, with 76 percent agreeing that these efforts have positively impacted their psychological wellbeing. Additionally, 79 percent of respondents reported a strong sense of belonging—among the highest levels recorded in the study—and 70 percent expressed confidence that the younger generation is acquiring the necessary skills to strengthen resilience in the future.
Despite these encouraging findings, the research also identified areas for improvement. Approximately 16 percent of UAE residents reported having no financial savings buffer, highlighting vulnerabilities in economic resilience. Income disparities revealed differing priorities within the workforce: middle- and higher-income employees place greater emphasis on flexible working arrangements (41.3 percent), whereas lower-income workers prioritize job stability and clarity (31.6 percent).
These distinctions underscore the need for tailored workplace support strategies. Employers are urged to recognize the diverse needs within their employee base, offering flexibility to some segments while ensuring clear and secure job arrangements for others.
Globally, the study notes that the most resilient employees are twice as likely to report strong job performance compared to their less resilient counterparts. Matthew Whitehouse, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich International Life Limited, observed that employers have a unique role in fostering resilience due to their close connection with workers’ daily experiences. He emphasized that while the UAE already maintains a robust level of resilience, enhancing financial preparedness among employees represents a key opportunity to translate resilience into practical readiness.