H.H. Sheikh Mohammed lauds UAE for topping global list for economic achievements

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has praised the UAE for ranking first globally for "economic performance" and fifth in "overall competitiveness".

In a post on the social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the UAE has maintained its top ranking for economic performance regionally for the tenth year in a row. 

The ranking followed the IMD World Competitiveness 2026 Index, which has measured the global, regional, sub-regional and economic performance of countries worldwide for 38 years. 

The UAE also ranked first for absence of bureaucracy, adaptability of government policy, employment, international experience, national culture and quality of air transportation.

It received the second global ranking for citizens' trust in AI, creation of firms, females in parliament and cities' management. 

Meanwhile, it received fourth globally for government efficiency, companies' investment in AI, and legal and regulatory framework.

His Highness stated that the results achieved are due to the national approach, institutional efficiency, and efforts of teams across several sectors.

"Our competitiveness is not a temporary goal, but an ongoing effort that enhances quality of life, solidifies global confidence in our country, and affirms that the UAE is steadfastly advancing toward a future of greater prosperity and leadership," said Sheikh Mohammed. 

UAE Ranks 1st Globally in Economic Performance, Bureaucracy, Adaptability of Government Policy and 5th Globally in Overall Competitiveness in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/xVmvx846C2

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 18, 2026