His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God preserve him, continues to strengthen its global presence day by day, earning increasing international trust in its economic, social, and diplomatic frameworks.
His Highness stated:
“Under the leadership of my brother Mohamed bin Zayed… our global presence continues to grow each day… the world’s respect for our development model deepens… and international confidence in our economic, social, and international systems, built over the past five decades, continues to rise.”
His remarks came during the announcement of the results of the 2026 Global Soft Power Index report at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in the presence of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The UAE maintained its position among the top 10 nations globally in the Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index for the fourth consecutive year, a reflection of the country’s development stability and its ability to enhance its global standing amid rapidly changing international dynamics and declining trust in several traditional powers.
A Clear Path of Vision and Flexibility
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may God protect him, emphasized that the UAE’s ranking in the 2026 index reflects a clear and consistent approach based on steadfast vision and operational flexibility.
His Highness noted:
“According to the world’s leading soft power report covering 193 countries, the results were announced today at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The UAE ranked 10th globally overall, 2nd in generosity, 3rd in economic growth opportunities, and 8th in global diplomatic influence.”
Strong Global Presence
The report highlighted that the UAE held its 10th place globally despite a general decline among major countries, while the nation saw improvements in its international reputation and global visibility—solidifying its role as a trusted international partner.
The UAE performed strongly across key pillars of the index, continuing to advance in business, trade, and international relations. It also recorded significant progress in governance, safety, and sustainability, achieving its highest rankings ever in governance, approaching the global top five in safety and security, and ranking among the top 10 in government leadership.
There was also noticeable improvement in cultural influence and societal values, driven by ongoing efforts in cultural diplomacy and social openness. The country has also reinforced its image as a model environment for coexistence and diversity.
Investment Destination and Economic Trust
For the first time, the UAE was recognized among the world’s top 10 global investment destinations. This is a result of its strong economic reputation, business-friendly environment, and resilience in adapting to global economic shifts—factors that continue to bolster investor confidence and reinforce its status as a global economic hub.
Key Rankings in the 2026 Global Soft Power Index:
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8th globally in international influence
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2nd globally in generosity
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3rd globally in ease of doing business and future economic growth opportunities
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7th globally in economic strength and stability
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9th globally in international relations
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10th globally in business and trade
Additionally, the UAE ranked:
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11th globally in city sustainability, transport systems, and global appreciation of its leadership
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12th globally in governance
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13th globally in media impact and global audience engagement
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8th globally in scientific progress, innovation, and diplomatic influence
These results reflect the balance and diversity of the UAE’s performance across different sectors, showcasing its multi-dimensional sources of strength and international influence.
Index Overview
The Global Soft Power Index, issued by Brand Finance, is based on a wide-ranging assessment of 193 countries, involving input from over 150,000 influential figures in business, policymaking, and societal leadership across the world. The index measures countries’ global influence based on various criteria including economy, governance, international relations, media, education, technology, and sustainability.
The UAE’s consistent and resilient performance in the 2026 edition underscores its ability to maintain a careful balance between economic growth, global openness, and domestic stability—at a time when the global system is undergoing profound transformations reshaping the map of influence and power.
“The UAE’s performance in the Soft Power Index reflects a clear path built on a steady vision and flexible execution,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may God protect him.
“We ranked 2nd globally in generosity, 3rd in economic growth potential.”
