UAE Rises to 15th Globally in Human Development Rankings: A Model for Human-Centric Progress

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a major milestone in human progress, climbing 11 places to rank 15th globally in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) published by the United Nations Development Programme. The UAE now stands as the only Arab country within the top 20 globally, surpassing nations such as Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

This exceptional ranking reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to a comprehensive, human-centric development model that integrates world-class healthcare, quality education, and sustainable economic growth.

High Human Development Scores

The UAE earned an HDI score of 0.94, cementing its status among nations with very high human development. The index evaluates countries based on four key indicators:

Life expectancy at birth: Reached 82.9 years, aligning with SDG 3 on good health and well-being.
Expected years of schooling: 15.6 years.
Average years of schooling: 13 years, contributing to SDG 4 on quality education.
Gross national income per capita: $71,142, tied to SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.

These figures illustrate the UAE’s successful balance of economic advancement and social development, placing people and wellbeing at the center of national strategy.

Healthcare and Education at the Core

Minister of Health and Prevention Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais emphasized that the UAE’s continued rise is grounded in a robust, innovation-driven healthcare system, delivering efficient and accessible services across the population. This approach aligns with the country’s long-term health and sustainability agenda.

Minister of Education Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri reiterated the centrality of education in the national vision, noting that UAE schools are adopting adaptive, future-focused learning systems designed to nurture the skills needed in a rapidly evolving digital economy — especially in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.

The UAE’s Appeal as a Global Talent Magnet

One of the standout achievements highlighted in the report is the UAE’s 3rd-place global ranking in the net migration of AI-skilled professionals, showcasing its role as a top destination for global talent. The country’s advanced infrastructure, progressive policies, and lifestyle opportunities continue to attract high-value expertise, enriching its economic and knowledge capital.

A Future-Ready Vision

The 2025 HDI report warns of deepening global disparities due to rapid technological advances. It urges nations to pursue inclusive digital strategies that elevate human wellbeing alongside AI and tech development.

Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, described the UAE’s development strategy as proactive and human-focused, noting that policies are built around long-term prosperity and societal resilience.

Conclusion

With its advancement in the 2025 Human Development Index, the UAE has not only strengthened its international standing but also set a compelling example of how nations can blend technology, economic dynamism, and social equity. As it continues to invest in healthcare, education, and innovation, the UAE solidifies its vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable, inclusive development.