UAE climbs rankings on UN human development index

In recent years, global life expectancy rates have been increasing steadily. However, there have been a few outstanding jumps by some nations, like the UAE. The UAE is the only Arab nation to rank within the top 20 in the latest reports by the United Nations on longevity and human development.

But what is behind the success of UAE’s leading rank in a list among other prominent nations? Here’s what you need to know.

The UN annually releases reports that track the social progression of countries worldwide. Two significant categories from these lists include life expectancy and human development indices (or HDI).

A life expectancy rate is used to measure the prospective, average duration of life for individuals in a respective geographical area, whereas human development indices are an average measure of three main divisions: education, per capita income, and health (which factors in life expectancy rates).

Low rankings in these groups can translate to issues like growing risks of socioeconomic trouble, lack of adequate healthcare, or high infant mortality rates.

For this year’s human development index report, the UAE ranked at number 15, surpassing countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.

In fact, the UAE has been steadily growing in the HDI category. For example, the ranking has increased from number 17 in 2024 to number 15 this year. Additionally, between the timeframe of 1990 and 2023, the UAE has upgraded its yearly rank by 27 spots, according to UN’s latest report. This signifies UAE’s drive to keep improving its social communities.

Here’s how the UAE compared globally to the highest and lowest rated countries from 2025’s Human Development Index report.

Top 15 countries

Bottom 15 countries (in ascending order)

As for longevity rates, the UAE ranks at number 18, with a life expectancy rate of almost 83 years, according to the latest available report by the UN. In comparison, the highest rated country for longevity is Hong Kong, with a life expectancy rate of almost 86 years, and Nigeria ranks last with around 55 years of life expectancy.

The UAE’s high ranking in social well-being can be attributed to their dedication for creating a gateway of high living standards for its residents. For instance, in regards to improving life expectancy, the UAE has its own efforts dedicated to promoting longevity in the country, including top-of-the-line clinics and steadfast research surrounding well-being.

Mariam Khan is a trainee journalist at Gulf News.