WEF Study Ranks UAE 24th For Human Capital

A study by the World Economic Forum has ranked the UAE 24th out of 122 countries in terms of its ability to tap human capital.

In the first ever survey on human capital, the new index aims to help countries when formulating polices and to make the right decisions on investing in the economic potential of their populations.

The index measures countries on their ability to develop their people across four sectors: education; health and wellness; workforce and employment, and enabling environment.

The UAE’s ranking was boosted by high scores in the education pillar and its ability to retain talent, getting 6 points out of a possible 7.

The report pointed out that a nation’s human capital endowment could be a more important determinant of long-term economic success than virtually any other resource.

“Experts agree that human capital is the most important asset an ogranisation can have, especially for SMEs,” said Becky Crayman of MEED Events.

“It’s an imperative for growth not just for businesses, even for nations.”

The 122 countries assessed in the Human Capital Index 2013 represent over 90 per cent of the world’s population.