UAE climbs rankings on UN human development index

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland topped the list.

Last updated:
Mariam Khan, Special to Gulf News
2 MIN READ
The UAE ranked at number 15, surpassing countries like the US, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.
The UAE ranked at number 15, surpassing countries like the US, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.
AFP

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.

What do these rankings signify?

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.

Where does the UAE stand globally?

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

  1. Iceland

  2. Norway

  3. Switzerland

  4. Denmark

  5. Germany

  6. Sweden

  7. Australia

  8. Hong Kong, China (SAR)

  9. Netherlands

  10. Belgium

  11. Ireland

  12. Finland

  13. Singapore

  14. United Kingdom

  15. UAE

Bottom 15 countries (in ascending order)

  1. Guinea (ranked at 179)

  2. Ethiopia (ranked at 180)

  3. Afghanistan (ranked at 181)

  4. Mozambique (ranked at 182)

  5. Madagascar (ranked at 183)

  6. Yemen (ranked at 184)

  7. Sierra Leone (ranked at 185)

  8. Burkina Faso (ranked at 186)

  9. Burundi (ranked at 187)

  10. Mali (ranked at 188)

  11. Niger (ranked at 189)

  12. Chad (ranked at 190)

  13. Central African Republic (ranked at 191)

  14. Somalia (ranked at 192)

  15. South Sudan (ranked at 193)

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.

A progressing nation  

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.

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