ABU DHABI: The UAE continues its rise in global competitiveness, securing top positions in key indicators for 2024. With a strong focus on human development and innovative reforms, the UAE now ranks first globally in 223 indicators, up from 215 in 2023. It also features in the top five for 444 indicators and the top 10 for 661 indicators, reflecting its growing influence on the world stage.
According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, the UAE rose three spots to seventh globally, excelling in economic performance (2nd), government efficiency (4th), and business environment efficiency (10th).
In the UN Human Development Index 2023/2024, the UAE ranked first in the region and 17th globally out of 193 countries. It also claimed the top spot in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for the third year, recording a score of 7.7 — its highest since the report’s launch.
The Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 saw the UAE secure key wins, including:
• 1st in MENA and 18th globally in the overall index.
• 1st in road quality and 9th in port efficiency globally.
• 3rd in air transport efficiency and 1st in air transport infrastructure quality.
The UAE also led in foreign investment. UNCTAD’s 2023 report ranked it 2nd globally for new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, with 1,323 projects and inflows of $30.7 billion.
In digital transformation, the UN E-Government Survey 2024 ranked the UAE 1st globally in ICT infrastructure and 10th in human capital, marking a 34-place leap.
With its continued push for innovation, smart services, and sustainable growth, the UAE is poised to remain a leader in global competitiveness.
