The UAE is the 10th most powerful nation in the world, according to the 2023 Global Soft Power Index.
The index is compiled by research and analysis firm Brand Finance and measures soft power – a country’s ability to exert influence over others by attraction rather than force.
The UAE entered the top 10 for the first time, and became the first Middle East country to reach the heights, after climbing five places in a single year.
UAE soft power success
The countries with the most soft power were the US, UK and Germany in first second and third respectively.
Saudi Arabia joined the UAE in the top 20 of the list, taking 18th position in the 2023 Global Soft Power Index.
A strong response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the success of Expo 2020 and generous humanitarian donations and foreign aid were key drivers for the country’s developing presence on the global stage.
David Haigh, chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, said: “The UAE was one of the first economies to roll out mass vaccination and open during the Covid-19 pandemic, giving it a head start ahead of others and allowing it to maintain positive perceptions across the business and trade pillar with a particular improvement on the ‘future growth potential’ attribute, where it ranks 3rd globally.
“The successful showcase of the Emirates as a global trade hub thanks to Expo 2020 has also undoubtedly provided a significant boost.
“At the same time, the UAE is one of the largest donors of foreign aid as a percentage of GDP, which is recognised by the global general public counting it the world’s third most “generous” nation.”
2023 Global Soft Power Index
- USA
- UK
- Germany
- Japan
- China
- France
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Italy
- UAE
- Sweden
- Russia
- Australia
- South Korea
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Denmark
- Saudi Arabia
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