The UAE has achieved a significant milestone in global competitiveness, moving up to 16th place worldwide in the 2025 Government Support Index. This marks an impressive advancement of 27 positions compared to its 43rd place in 2024.
The Government Support Index is part of the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook and measures the value of government support as a percentage of GDP. It serves as a benchmark for how effectively countries manage public resources to stimulate economic growth while balancing short-term priorities with long-term sustainability.
For the UAE, this sharp rise reflects the success of recent reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal efficiency. According to the Ministry of Finance, progress has been driven by efficient fiscal policies, closer collaboration between federal and local financial departments, and the use of advanced financial analysis tools.
These efforts have contributed to more effective resource allocation, stronger governance frameworks, and a financial system that can respond flexibly to global economic changes.
The UAE is also looking ahead, with the Ministry confirming its commitment to reaching the top 10 globally by 2026. Priorities include improving the quality of financial data, enhancing transparency, and embedding sustainability practices in line with national strategies and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This achievement comes alongside other notable recognitions. In 2025, the UAE ranked 5th globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and was named the 2nd best country in the world for digital nomads.
