UAE retains place among world’s top ten countries in 2026 Global Soft Power Index
Fourth consecutive year of top-tier global recognition
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has consolidated its place among the world’s top ten countries in the 2026 Global Soft Power Index issued by Brand Finance, marking the fourth consecutive year the country has retained this position.
The ranking reflects the UAE’s sustained international influence at a time of shifting global dynamics and growing uncertainty in traditional centres of power.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, in the presence of former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, underscoring the global visibility of the report and the significance attached to the UAE’s performance.
According to Brand Finance, the UAE’s continued presence in the top tier highlights the stability of its development model and its ability to enhance international credibility while navigating rapid political, economic, and social change worldwide.
UAE among top 10
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the Global Soft Power Index assessed 193 countries, with results announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He noted that the UAE ranked tenth globally in the overall index, second worldwide for generosity, third for future economic growth potential, and eighth for influence within international diplomatic circles.
وفقاً لأهم تقرير عالمي للقوة الناعمة شمل ١٩٣ دولة .. تم الإعلان اليوم في المنتدى الاقتصادي العالمي دافوس عن نتائجه.. جاءت دولة الإمارات في المركز العاشر عالمياً في الترتيب العام .. وجاءت في المركز الثاني عالمياً في العطاء والثالث عالمياً في فرص النمو الاقتصادي .. والثامن عالمياً… pic.twitter.com/0f71a8cYws
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 20, 2026
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s global presence continues to strengthen, with rising international confidence in the country’s economic, social, and governance systems developed steadily over the past five decades.
Brand Finance reported that the UAE maintained its tenth position despite an overall decline in performance across several major countries, reflecting resilience in a period marked by geopolitical tensions and reduced trust in established global powers.
Policy impact
The report highlighted improvements in indicators related to international reputation and global visibility, pointing to the UAE’s expanding international footprint. Strong and consistent results were recorded across the index’s core pillars, including governance, security, sustainability, and economic competitiveness.
Brand Finance also cited the UAE’s continued strength in business, trade, and international relations, noting that its balanced approach to domestic development and external engagement has reinforced its status as a trusted global partner. The country’s ability to adapt policies in response to global economic shifts was identified as a key factor supporting its soft power performance.
This adaptability, combined with long-term planning and institutional stability, has helped the UAE maintain influence across economic and diplomatic arenas while preserving internal balance.
UAE among leading investment destinations
The 2026 index pointed to notable progress in culture and societal values, reflecting sustained investment in cultural diplomacy, openness, and coexistence. These efforts have enhanced the UAE’s image as an inclusive environment that promotes diversity and tolerance, strengthening its appeal to global audiences.
The report also placed the UAE among the world’s leading investment destinations, supported by a strong economic reputation, a stable business environment, and policy flexibility. This combination has bolstered international investor confidence and reinforced the country’s role as a global economic hub connecting East and West.
Brand Finance confirmed that the UAE achieved advanced rankings across a wide range of indicators, including international influence, generosity, ease of doing business, future economic opportunities, economic stability, scientific advancement, innovation, governance, media influence, and global public interest.
Global Soft Power Index
The Global Soft Power Index is based on a comprehensive assessment of 193 countries, drawing on feedback from more than 150,000 respondents worldwide, including business leaders, policymakers, and opinion shapers. The index measures national influence across criteria covering the economy, governance, international relations, media, education, technology, and sustainability.
Brand Finance noted that the UAE’s consistent performance in the 2026 edition reflects the breadth of its international engagement and the diversity of its sources of influence across economic, diplomatic, scientific, and societal dimensions, at a time when the global landscape of power and reputation continues to evolve.