Fourth Globally in Personal Decision-Making Freedom
Per Capita GDP of $70,000, Ranked Eighth Worldwide
Nineteenth in Charitable Contributions
Thirtieth in Life Expectancy
The United Arab Emirates has secured a prominent position in the World Happiness Report for 2026, ranking first among Arab nations and 21st globally, according to a report from the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which utilized data from Gallup.
The rankings included 147 countries and were based on several key criteria, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, personal freedom, as well as measures of generosity, social support, transparency, and the absence of corruption in government institutions and the business environment.
The UAE scored 6.8 points on the overall happiness index, outperforming countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Taiwan, reflecting a high standard of living and stability in comparison to many major global economies.
In terms of detailed indicators, the UAE ranked fourth worldwide in personal decision-making freedom and eighth for GDP per capita at around $70,000. In the generosity index, which measures charitable donations, it secured the 19th position, while it stood 30th in terms of life expectancy.
Globally, Finland maintained its position as the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year, a remarkable feat since the report’s inception 14 years ago, followed by Iceland and Denmark, with Costa Rica in fourth and Sweden sixth.
The report indicated that 79 countries experienced improvements in happiness levels, while 41 saw declines, showcasing a relatively positive trend worldwide in recent years. However, significant disparities remain, with the gap between the highest-ranked country (Finland) and the lowest (Afghanistan) exceeding 6 points out of 10, highlighting substantial differences in quality of life around the globe.
The report also noted a significant decline in happiness levels among several developed Western countries compared to the years between 2005 and 2010, with 15 countries reporting a clear decrease. Notably, happiness indicators among the youth were found to be declining in nations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, contrasting with the general trend of stability or improvement observed in most other regions worldwide.