UAE surpasses US and UK in World Happiness Report 2025
Ranks first in the Arab world and 21st globally
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again demonstrated its commitment to enhancing quality of life, securing the top position in the Arab world and 21st place globally in the 2025 World Happiness Report.
Issued by the Well-being Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report evaluates factors such as economic stability, social support, and overall life satisfaction.
The UAE’s ranking places it ahead of major global economies, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Key performance indicators
The UAE achieved notable scores across several key happiness indicators. It recorded 6.759 points out of 10 in life evaluation, reflecting strong satisfaction levels among residents. Additionally, the country ranked 12th globally in trust – measured by the likelihood of returning lost wallets – indicating high levels of social integrity.
Other rankings included 16th place for time spent volunteering, 19th for willingness to donate, and 23rd for freedom of choice. These rankings highlight the UAE’s efforts to foster a supportive and community-oriented environment.
Economic stability and social trust
A high per capita GDP and well-structured policies have played a crucial role in the UAE’s strong performance. The nation’s economic resilience, bolstered by a robust labour market and strategic investments, has contributed to a high standard of living. Additionally, social support remains a key pillar of happiness, with 92 percent of residents reporting strong community connections. The UAE’s infrastructure, governance, and emphasis on well-being continue to shape its growing global reputation.
Year of Community initiative
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance happiness, the UAE has declared 2025 the “Year of Community.” This initiative aims to strengthen social bonds, promote volunteerism, and foster national identity through cultural and well-being programmes. Experts note that happiness is not solely driven by economic success but also by social connections and trust, areas where the UAE has made significant strides.
Happiest nations in the world
Globally, Finland continues to hold the title of the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Costa Rica. This observation reflects the Nordic nations' ongoing commitment to social welfare and community-centric policies, contributing to their standings in the happiness rankings.
NEW: People are much kinder than we expect, according to findings published today (20 March) in World Happiness Report 2025.
— World Happiness Report (@HappinessRpt) March 20, 2025
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In contrast, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, the Comoros Islands, and Lesotho filled the lower ranks of the report, indicating various challenges affecting their populations' well-being.