UAE remains Arab world’s most prosperous country – survey

The UAE has retained its position as the Arab world’s most prosperous country, according to the latest prosperity index by the Legatum Institute.

The study also found that the UAE’s residents have had the greatest improvement in living standards anywhere in the world over the past decade.

The UAE was ranked 39th out of 149 countries in the index that measures economic quality, business environment, governance, personal freedom, social capital, safety and security, education, health and natural environment. Bahrain came in 62nd, Oman 73rd, and Kuwait 80th.

“The Middle East and North Africa has seen significant growth in the living standards of its citizens,” the report said.

“The United Arab Emirates has seen the greatest increase in standard of living in the world in the last 10 years; and there has also been an increase in people’s satisfaction with their standard of living right across into North Africa.”

The index measures 104, with over 15,000 data points. Norway came in first place, followed by 2016’s leader New Zealand, and Finland in third.