A new global ranking is out, and it’s another positive update for everyone calling the UAE home. The World Happiness Report 2026 named the UAE the happiest country in the Arab world. It also ranks 21st globally, ahead of the US (23rd) and the UK (29th).
Several key factors are taken into account:
- social support
- GDP per capita
- healthy life expectancy
- freedom to make life choices
- generosity
- perceptions of corruption
The result is also based on how people evaluate their own lives, not just economic indicators. Residents in the UAE reported more positive emotions than negative ones, pointing to a generally balanced and comfortable way of life.
Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the ninth year in a row. It’s followed by Iceland (2), Denmark (3), Costa Rica (4), and Sweden (5).
Other countries across the region ranked as follows:
- Saudi Arabia: 22nd
- Kuwait: 40th
- Bahrain: 55th
- Oman: 58th
- Egypt: 139th
- Lebanon: 141st
This isn’t the only global ranking where the UAE stands out. Abu Dhabi has also been named the safest city in the world for the 10th year in a row, with four other UAE cities making it into the global top 10. Check the full list here.
