UAE Achieves Top Regional Ranking And Global Recognition In UN Human Development Index

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has advanced significantly in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It climbed 11 places from its previous ranking, securing the 15th spot globally among 193 countries. This achievement highlights the UAE's dedication to enhancing human wellbeing through a comprehensive development strategy.

The UAE is the only Arab nation in the top 20 of the HDI rankings. This distinction underscores its commitment to integrating healthcare, education, and quality of life into its development vision. The country serves as a global model for sustainability and human capital growth, outperforming countries like Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Korea.

The 2025 Human Development Report titled "A matter of choice: people and possibilities in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)" awarded the UAE an HDI score of 0.94. The report highlighted four main indicators: life expectancy at birth reached 82.9 years, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on "Good Health and Well-being." Expected years of schooling were at 15.6, with an average of 13 years, supporting SDG 4 on quality education.

The UAE's gross national income per capita was reported at $71,142, contributing to SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, stated that this leading position reflects sustained investment in a world-class healthcare system that promotes innovation and high-quality services.

Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasised that education is central to the UAE’s development strategy. She noted that adaptive and forward-looking education policies are designed to prepare future generations for competitiveness and innovation, especially in fields like artificial intelligence.

Human-Centric Development Model

Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, pointed out that the UAE’s human-centric development model leverages healthcare, education, and innovation as pillars for a prosperous future. She mentioned that the country's rise in HDI rankings demonstrates proactive policymaking prioritising human wellbeing alongside economic growth.

The report also highlighted AI's growing impact on human development. It warned about widening gaps between high- and low-development countries while advocating for flexible strategies focused on healthcare, education, and living standards. Emphasising human capital remains crucial in this digital era.

In terms of AI talent migration in 2023, the UAE ranked third globally based on LinkedIn data. This ranking underscores its appeal as a hub for AI professionals worldwide. The report noted that high-income countries like the UAE benefit from specialised talent while lower-income nations face losses.

It called for a cooperative digital economy where humans work alongside AI. The focus should be on empowering people through knowledge and technology for inclusive growth. The UAE's achievements reflect its strategic investments in sectors vital for sustainable development.

With inputs from WAM