UAE Ranks 21st in the 2025 World Happiness Report, Surpassing Global Giants

By Islam Salah El Din On Mar 20, 2025

The UAE has secured the 21st spot in the 2025 World Happiness Report, surpassing major global players like the UK, US, Germany, France, and Singapore. It also maintains its position as the happiest country in the Arab world, a title it has held for years!

According to Gallup and the UN-backed report, the UAE’s commitment to infrastructure, governance, and community-driven initiatives continues to shape its growing global reputation.

Key Factors Behind the UAE’s High Happiness Ranking

Several factors contribute to the UAE’s strong performance in the Happiness Index:

1. A Strong Economy

A high GDP per capita ensures financial stability and provides opportunities for residents. Plus, economic growth creates job security, fosters entrepreneurship, and enhances overall living standards. This financial foundation plays a key role in supporting the well-being of individuals and families across the nation.

2. World-Class Infrastructure

Investments in healthcare, urban development, and transportation enhance daily life. The UAE’s modern cities offer state-of-the-art medical facilities, efficient public transport, and smart city initiatives that contribute to convenience and overall life satisfaction.

Government policies and strong community bonds create a sense of security and well-being. One standout factor is trust, which significantly impacts happiness levels. The UAE ranks 12th globally in returning lost wallets, showcasing integrity as a core social value and reinforcing confidence in public institutions and fellow citizens.

4. A Unique Approach to Generosity

Generosity is a key cultural pillar, but the rankings highlight an interesting contrast:

16th in donating money
19th in volunteering time
67th in helping strangers

This suggests that while structured forms of giving are common, spontaneous acts of kindness are less frequent. The UAE’s approach to generosity is more organized and selective rather than random, shaping a unique cultural perspective on social responsibility.

To further enhance social well-being, the UAE has declared 2025 the “Year of Community,” focusing on family ties, cultural unity, and collective well-being. This initiative aligns with global happiness trends, which emphasize that economic success alone isn’t enough—social connections and a sense of belonging are just as important.

The UAE plans to achieve this by:

Encouraging volunteering and social initiatives
Strengthening national identity through cultural programs
Fostering mental well-being with community-based projects

Rather than just measuring happiness, the country is actively shaping it, ensuring that growth benefits not just individuals but the entire society.

How National Strategies Are Shaping Long-Term Happiness

The UAE’s rise in the Happiness Index is more than just an achievement—it reflects a long-term national vision. Through prioritizing trust, social well-being, and community-driven initiatives, the country is actively shaping a sustainable future.

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