UAE ranks world’s most trusted government in 2026
Edelman Trust Barometer places the country first globally for government confidence
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked the world’s most trusted government in 2026, according to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, with the announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The ranking places the Emirates at the top of the global index, following a three-place rise from last year’s position. India ranked second in the 2026 list.
Sheikh Mohammed marked the achievement by underlining that trust is accumulated over time through credibility, fulfilled commitments, integrity of laws and respect for people. Writing on X, he described trust as a form of national capital that strengthens social cohesion and accelerates progress when built on honest governance and consistent delivery.
احتلت دولة الإمارات المرتبة الأولى عالمياً في مؤشر الثقة بالحكومات وذلك في تقرير مؤشر إدلمان للثقة الذي تصدره مؤسسة إدلمان في نيويورك لعام 2026.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 19, 2026
ونقول بأن الثقة تُبنى عبر سنين طويلة من مصداقية الكلمة .. والوفاء بالوعود ..وشرعية الإنجاز .. ونزاهة القوانين ..واحترام البشر .
Global ranking
The Government Trust Index forms part of the Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual study produced by the New York-based Edelman firm. The report measures public confidence in major institutions, including government, business, media and non-governmental organisations, based on large-scale surveys across dozens of countries.
In the 2026 edition, the UAE secured the highest global score for trust in government, reinforcing its standing among the most closely watched governance benchmarks worldwide. The country was first included in the Edelman Trust Barometer in 2010 and has consistently ranked among the most trusted nations surveyed.
Institutional confidence
Data from the report shows that trust in the UAE government stood at 82 percent last year, significantly above the global average of 52 percent. Confidence in business also remained strong, with 76 percent of respondents in the UAE saying they trust businesses to do what is right, compared with a global trust level of 62 percent.
The survey further indicates high levels of trust in employers, with the UAE topping the list of countries where people believe businesses make sound decisions. Trust in the media also placed the UAE within the top five globally, reflecting a 15-point increase.
Future outlook
The Edelman findings show a rise in optimism among UAE respondents, including increased belief that the next generation will be better off than the current one. Despite global concerns around misinformation, inflation and economic uncertainty, respondents in the UAE continued to express confidence in national and international institutions.
The UAE was also listed among a small group of countries that trust global bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union, highlighting sustained confidence beyond domestic institutions.