UAE Ranks Among World’s Happiest Nations, Outperforming US, UK, and Germany

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked among the world’s happiest countries, securing 21st place in the latest UN-sponsored World Happiness Report released on International Day of Happiness.

Outperforming major global economies such as the United States (24th), the United Kingdom (23rd), and Germany (22nd), the UAE is the only Gulf nation in the top 25. Other Gulf countries also featured in the rankings, with Kuwait at 30th, Saudi Arabia at 32nd, Oman at 52nd, and Bahrain at 59th.

The World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates countries based on factors such as economic strength, social support, healthy life expectancy, personal freedoms, generosity, and corruption levels.

According to Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, the findings indicate that “happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth—it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back.”

The report also highlighted acts of generosity and a belief in kindness as key contributors to happiness, surpassing the impact of financial income in some cases.

Finland maintained its position as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.

The UAE’s strong performance reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents through economic diversification, social initiatives, and policies aimed at long-term well-being.