The UAE ranked fourth in terms of economic performance despite headwinds posed by the Covid-19 outbreak. Reem Mohammed/The National
The UAE ranked fourth in terms of economic performance despite headwinds posed by the Covid-19 outbreak. Reem Mohammed/The National
The UAE ranked fourth in terms of economic performance despite headwinds posed by the Covid-19 outbreak. Reem Mohammed/The National
The UAE ranked fourth in terms of economic performance despite headwinds posed by the Covid-19 outbreak. Reem Mohammed/The National

UAE ranked ninth in global competitiveness table


Mary Sophia
  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE ranked as the ninth most competitive nation in the world, maintaining its position as the only Arab country among the top 10 despite the headwinds posed by Covid-19, a new report showed.

The Gulf country ranked ahead of the US, Germany and the UK to emerge among the top 10 most competitive countries, according to Swiss business school IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook released on Tuesday.

“The UAE is moving forward with an ambitious strategy that anticipates the future, nurture a culture of excellence to be in the lead of world competitiveness at various levels,” said Abdullah Lootah, director-general of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.

“Thanks to the vision and guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the country managed since 2017 to join the top 10 competitive countries in this report, and to consolidate its well-deserved position among the top ten globally in the overall ranking and regional leadership."

The IMD ranking relies on data collected from statistics and information provided by the countries, classifies countries based on their economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure. It also bases the ranking on 20 other sub factors on 338 competitive indicators.

The Arab world’s second largest economy ranked fourth in terms of economic performance despite headwinds posed by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The UAE also clinched the first place in 23 indicators, including an absence of stifling bureaucracy, better immigration laws, low central government foreign debt and the percentage of women in parliament.

"Since the launch of the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015, we have taken all the necessary steps to enhance the UAE's position in global competitiveness reports and to establish our nation as a regional and global model for gender balance legislation,” said Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council and of Dubai Women Establishment.

Singapore topped IMD’s competitiveness ranking, followed by Denmark, Switzerland and Netherlands.

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

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Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

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Director: Ahmed Moussa

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Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital