The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again made significant strides in human development, solidifying its position as a regional and global leader. According to the latest Human Development Index (HDI) report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the 2023/2024 period, the UAE has secured the top spot regionally and climbed an impressive nine places in the global rankings, now standing at 17th out of 193 countries covered in the report. This remarkable achievement places the UAE ahead of renowned nations such as Canada, the United States, and Japan, reaffirming its commitment to fostering prosperity and well-being for its citizens.
The HDI, a comprehensive composite index, evaluates the well-being of populations worldwide across three key dimensions: health, knowledge, and living standards. These dimensions are represented through four vital indicators: life expectancy at birth, expected years of schooling, mean years of schooling, and per capita gross national income. With a remarkable score of 0.937, the UAE has demonstrated significant progress, advancing by 0.026 points from the previous year. Switzerland, the top-ranked country globally, achieved a score of 0.967, indicating the UAE’s proximity to the highest levels of human development.
One of the standout achievements highlighted in the report is the UAE’s commendable performance in life expectancy at birth, with a score of 79.2 years. This achievement not only reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens but also contributes to the attainment of the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Furthermore, the UAE has excelled in the education sector, with expected years of schooling reaching 17.2 years and mean years of schooling at 12.8 years. These figures underscore the nation’s dedication to providing quality education opportunities for its populace, aligning closely with the fourth goal of the SDGs, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Economic prosperity is another key pillar of the UAE’s human development journey, as reflected in its per capita gross national income of $74,104. This robust economic performance underscores the nation’s ability to provide its citizens with a high standard of living and lays the foundation for sustainable growth and development.
The UAE’s remarkable ascent in the global HDI rankings is a testament to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of its government to prioritize human development. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the nation has embarked on a transformative journey towards prosperity, happiness, and welfare for all its citizens.
Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, underscored the pivotal role of leadership in driving the UAE’s human development agenda. He highlighted the government’s relentless efforts to implement policies aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, economic prosperity, and overall quality of life for its citizens.
Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to global competitiveness and its focus on fostering human welfare. She emphasized the collaborative efforts of federal and local entities in driving progress across various sectors, resulting in the nation’s remarkable achievements in human development.
As the UAE continues its journey towards excellence, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of becoming one of the best-performing countries globally in terms of human development and competitiveness. Through strategic initiatives and concerted efforts, the nation is poised to build a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.