The United Arab Emirates has once again been named among the world’s top 10 global soft power leaders, reinforcing its sustained international standing and strategic influence across economic, diplomatic, and social domains. The recognition places the UAE tenth globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year the country has held a position within the top tier of the global rankings.
UAE Global Soft Power Ranking Highlights Long-Term International Credibility
According to an official announcement shared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the country’s continued presence in the top 10 reflects growing international confidence in its governance and development model. In a verified social media post, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s global presence continued to expand steadily, strengthening trust in its economic framework, social cohesion, and international engagement. The ranking was released as part of the Global Soft Power Index 2026 published by Brand Finance and unveiled during the World Economic Forum in Davos, a setting that underscores the index’s relevance to global policy and economic discourse.
Brand Finance Index Shows UAE Strength in Diplomacy, Growth, and Global Influence
The Global Soft Power Index 2026 assessed 193 countries using a broad range of indicators, including economic performance, diplomatic reach, innovation capacity, and social stability, according to Brand Finance. In the overall rankings, the United States secured first place, followed by China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany, highlighting the competitive global environment in which the UAE maintained its position. Beyond its overall top-10 ranking, the UAE achieved notable category-level performance, placing second globally in giving, third in economic growth opportunities, and eighth in influence within international diplomatic circles. These results point to the country’s balanced soft power profile, combining economic dynamism with humanitarian engagement and diplomatic credibility. The findings, formally presented at the World Economic Forum, further position the UAE as a consistent and reliable global actor whose influence extends beyond traditional measures of power, aligning with its long-term strategy of international cooperation and sustainable development.