Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE has retained its position among the world’s top ten countries in the 2026 Global Soft Power Index, marking the fourth consecutive year the nation has achieved this global ranking. The results, released by Brand Finance on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, place the UAE tenth overall among 193 countries assessed. The announcement was made in the presence of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, underscoring the international recognition of the UAE’s growing global influence. According to the report, the UAE ranked second globally for generosity, third for future economic growth potential, and eighth for influence in international diplomatic circles. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the results reflect the strength of the UAE’s development model. “Under the leadership of my brother Mohamed bin Zayed, our global presence grows stronger each day, the world’s respect for our development model deepens, and international confidence continues to rise,” he said. Brand Finance noted that while many major countries saw declines in their overall performance, the UAE maintained its global standing and recorded improvements in international reputation and visibility. The report highlighted strong performance across governance, security, sustainability, economic competitiveness, and international relations. The UAE also recorded notable gains in culture and societal values, reflecting its emphasis on cultural diplomacy, coexistence, and openness. These efforts have strengthened its image as a diverse and tolerant destination for residents, investors, and visitors. The country ranked highly as a global investment destination, supported by a stable business environment and its ability to adapt to shifting global economic conditions. The Global Soft Power Index is based on insights from more than 150,000 respondents worldwide, including business leaders, policymakers, and opinion shapers. It measures influence across governance, economy, education, media, technology, sustainability, and international engagement. ICA/Expat Media
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