UAE among world's most trusted countries

The UAE has maintained its position as one of the most trusted countries in the world, according to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer.

The latest report, which polled more than 32,000 respondents in 28 countries, found that despite various global challenges resulting in a polarised society, there is strong confidence and trust in the UAE.

It's ranked the third most trusted country in the world, with significant trust levels in all four institutions the index looked at - government, business, NGOs, and media.

The government once again topped the list as the most trusted institution at 86 per cent, followed by business at 78 per cent.

The UAE ranks high amongst economic optimism - 72 per cent of respondents believe they will be better off economically in five years’ time, while only 40 per cent of global respondents said the same, a 10-point decline from 2022.

"The UAE’s clear long-term social and economic policies has seen the country become one of the most popular and sought-after destinations in the world, attracting expats, businesses, and tourists, while preserving the country’s unique cultural heritage and identity," said Omar Qirem, CEO, Edelman Middle East.

"On a global level, economic optimism continues to decline, with 24 out of 28 countries in our study recording all-time lows, and 53% of respondents globally saying that their countries are more divided today than in the past.

"Despite this cycle of distrust fuelling polarisation worldwide, the UAE bucks this trend yet again emerging as a highly unified country in the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report," he added.