UAE Ranks In Top Ten Global Soft Power In 2026, Highlighting Growth And Diplomacy

The United Arab Emirates has retained a place among the world’s top ten nations in the 2026 Global Soft Power Index by Brand Finance, securing this position for a fourth straight year. The ranking highlights the UAE’s sustained influence and reliability at a time of shifting geopolitical and economic conditions worldwide.

The result was released during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, with former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau attending the session. The setting underlined how international institutions and leaders continue to track the UAE’s external role and its growing weight in global discussions.

The Global Soft Power Index evaluates 193 countries, using responses from more than 150,000 people worldwide. Participants include business executives, policy makers and opinion leaders. The index measures perceived influence and attractiveness across areas such as economic performance, governance, foreign policy, education, media, technology and sustainability.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, said, "According to the world’s leading global soft power report, which assessed 193 countries, its results were announced today at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The United Arab Emirates ranked tenth globally in the overall index, second globally in generosity, third globally in future economic growth potential, and eighth globally in influence within international diplomatic circles."

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added, "Under the leadership of my brother Mohamed bin Zayed, our global presence grows stronger each day, the world’s respect for our development model deepens, and international confidence continues to rise in our economic, social, and global system built steadily over the past five decades."

Brand Finance reported that the UAE held its tenth position even as many major economies saw weaker scores. At the same time, the country recorded better results for international reputation and global visibility. This combination signals expanding international reach and recognition of the UAE as a predictable and dependable partner.

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The study found that the UAE continued to post strong and balanced results across the main pillars of the Global Soft Power Index. Progress was noted in governance standards, security indicators, environmental and sustainability performance, and economic competitiveness. These gains supported existing strengths in business environment, trade connectivity and diplomatic engagement.

The findings highlighted improved perceptions of culture and social values in the UAE. Analysts linked this to long-term investment in cultural diplomacy, international events and heritage initiatives. Policies supporting openness, coexistence and respect for different communities have also helped shape an image of the UAE as a destination that welcomes diversity and tolerance.

The report further showed that the UAE ranks among the leading global locations for capital flows and investment. Respondents associated the country with a solid economic track record, predictable regulations and a business framework that adapts to external shocks. These factors have increased international investor confidence and strengthened the UAE’s role as a global economic hub.

Across individual metrics, the UAE achieved advanced positions for international influence, generosity, ease of doing business and perceived opportunities for future economic expansion. The country also scored strongly for economic resilience, foreign relations, scientific progress, innovation performance, quality of governance, media presence and global public interest in domestic developments.

This wide spread of indicators illustrates that the UAE’s soft power is not based on a single sector. Instead, it reflects diverse sources of strength across economic, diplomatic, scientific and social fields. The results also indicate deepening integration into international networks and institutions, rather than influence built solely on short-term visibility.

The 2026 Global Soft Power Index confirms that the UAE continues to manage a careful balance between growth, openness and domestic stability. This performance comes during a period of major changes in the global system, when many states face pressure on credibility and trust, and when patterns of power and influence are being reshaped.

For business audiences monitoring regional dynamics, the latest Global Soft Power Index outcomes suggest the UAE is sustaining its role as a stable node in international economic and diplomatic networks. The data points to enduring confidence in the country’s long-term governance model and its capacity to navigate complex global adjustments while maintaining external engagement.

With inputs from WAM