Sharjah 24 – WAM: The United Arab Emirates has maintained its position among countries with “very high human development,” climbing 11 spots globally in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) report issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), compared to its 2021–2022 ranking.
Outperforming global competitors
The UAE ranked 15th globally out of 193 countries, outperforming nations such as Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Korea. It is the only Arab country in the top 20, reflecting its integrated development model focused on human wellbeing, healthcare, education, and quality of life.
Key indicators and HDI score
According to the four main indicators: life expectancy at birth in the UAE reached 82.9 years, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on “Good Health and Well-being”; expected years of schooling stood at 15.6, and average years of schooling at 13, supporting SGD 4 on quality education. Gross national income per capita reached $71.142, contributing to SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
National leaders highlight human-centric vision
Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, stated the UAE’s healthcare investments are central to its sustainable development goals.
Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasized the UAE's forward-looking education system, particularly in preparing youth for careers in emerging fields like AI.
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said the UAE’s human development approach is based on leveraging healthcare, education, and innovation for long-term prosperity.
AI and human development: A global challenge
The report warned of increasing gaps between countries due to AI advancement, urging human-focused strategies in key sectors. Human capital remains critical in the digital age.
UAE leads in attracting AI talent
The UAE ranked third globally in net migration of AI-skilled professionals in 2023, based on LinkedIn data, showcasing its role as a magnet for global tech talent.
Call for inclusive global cooperation
The UNDP report concluded with a call to action for a cooperative digital economy, where humans and AI complement each other to drive inclusive, sustainable progress worldwide.
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