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UAE tops global soft power index in Mena region

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The United Arab Emirates has been ranked first regionally and 10th globally for Influence in the Global Soft Power Index (GSPI) 2022.

The UAE advanced to 15th place globally in the overall GSPI ranking, up from last year’s 17th in the GSPI 2021. The country sits at the top in the region and remains at the forefront of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa, achieving progress in all indicators and sub-indicators.

In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, “The GSPI 2022 ranked the UAE as the 10th globally and first regionally in its overall influence in soft power. This reflects our leading position and good reputation worldwide.”

He added, “More than 100,000 respondents worldwide chose the UAE as the first regionally and 15th globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2022. Our country also ranked 10th globally in its influence, enhancing our status and positive impact.”

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the country’s progress in all indicators and sub-indicators results from the unique model it provides.

He noted, “The UAE’s soft power lies in its development model, which brings together the best ideas and minds across the world and gathers people of all races to build the best development experience in the world.”

The UAE continued its progress in the GSPI 2022, developed by “Brand Finance” British company. The index interviewed more than 100,000 people from 101 countries worldwide to assess the various axes of soft power and its positive influence. The UAE’s overall Soft Power score improved more than 11 percent, progressing to 15th place globally, up from 17th place in 2021.

The UAE’s performance in the 2022 Index that included 120 countries had many core strengths, including its distinguished position as a leading destination for business and trade, the ease to do business within a stable economic environment.

Also, the country has a positive impact as the most influential in the region and its reputation as one of the most generous and helpful countries internationally. The UAE has improved its reputation among developed nations during the past year.

The UAE also recorded an outstanding performance in the main indicators during 2022 compared to 2021. The UAE ranked 10th globally in the “Overall Influence” index compared to 12th in the previous year. The UAE ranked 20th globally in the “Reputation” index.

The UAE achieved an overall stable performance in all pillars, especially in the ‘Culture and Heritage’ pillar, where it ranked the 24th, by advancing seven positions from 2021, where it ranked the 31st.

The UAE’s performance on the ‘International Relations’ pillar has shown genuine improvement, as it ranked 11th up from last year’s 16th ranking, showing a strong reputation for being “Influential in diplomatic circles” and “Helpful to other countries in need”. The country’s improving perceptions regarding environmental protection could move UAE into the top 10 in the future.

Also, the UAE ranked first regionally and 10th globally in the ‘Influence’ pillar, the 10th globally in the “Influential in diplomatic circles”, and the 11th globally in the ‘International relations’ pillar. The UAE’s reputation score has marginally improved, and it has moved up to 20th globally, by far the highest among all Arab nations.

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Need a domestic worker? The UAE just made getting a visa way easier

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Employers in the UAE can now handle all domestic worker visa services through a single unified digital platform, eliminating the need to navigate multiple government agencies for routine procedures.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has centralised visa applications, renewals, cancellations, and mandatory medical tests on the Work in UAE portal (workinuae.ae), representing a major simplification of domestic worker regulations.

What the platform offers

The digital portal consolidates services previously scattered across different government entities, allowing employers to manage the complete visa lifecycle from one location:

Visa services:

  • New visa applications for domestic workers
  • Visa renewals and extensions
  • Visa cancellations and transfers
  • Status tracking and updates

Medical requirements:

  • Required medical test bookings
  • Health screening coordination
  • Medical certificate processing
  • Test result retrieval

Administrative functions:

  • Document submission and verification
  • Fee payments
  • Application status monitoring
  • Digital record management

The multi-agency challenge solved

Previously, employers navigated a complex system requiring interactions with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Emirates Health Services, Abu Dhabi Department of Health and various typing centres and service providers

Each agency maintained separate systems, requiring multiple visits, redundant documentation, and lengthy processing times.

The new platform integrates these services through backend collaboration among all participating entities, presenting employers with a single interface.

The domestic worker visa platform is part of MoHRE’s Work Bundle initiative, which aims to streamline labour services across the UAE’s employment ecosystem.

Why domestic worker regulations matter

Domestic workers represent a significant segment of the UAE’s labour market, with hundreds of thousands employed across the country in roles including housekeepers, nannies, cooks, drivers, and caregivers.

Simplifying the administrative framework for this sector serves multiple objectives:

For employers: Reduced time spent on bureaucratic processes, clearer procedures, lower administrative costs, and faster processing times.

For workers: Greater transparency in employment status, improved documentation of legal rights, clearer pathways for status changes, and reduced dependency on intermediaries.

For the system: Better compliance tracking, reduced fraud opportunities, improved data collection, and more efficient resource allocation.

How employers benefit

The centralised platform eliminates common pain points in domestic worker visa management:

Time savings: No need to visit multiple agencies or government offices for different steps in the visa process.

Simplified procedures: Single login provides access to all required services rather than maintaining accounts across multiple platforms.

Reduced costs: Elimination of typing centre fees and reduced transportation costs from multiple agency visits.

Faster processing: Backend integration among agencies speeds approval workflows and reduces waiting periods.

24/7 access: Digital platform allows employers to initiate and track processes at any time rather than being constrained by office hours.

Document storage: Digital records eliminate paper documentation and provide easy retrieval of historical information.

Implementation and access

Employers can access the platform immediately through workinuae.ae using their existing UAE Pass credentials or by creating new accounts.

The platform provides step-by-step guidance for each process, with support available through MoHRE’s customer service channels for employers requiring assistance.

All new visa applications, renewals, and cancellations for domestic workers should now be processed through the unified platform rather than through legacy channels.

What hasn’t changed

While the platform simplifies administration, core requirements for domestic worker employment remain in effect:

  • Employer eligibility criteria
  • Worker qualification standards
  • Mandatory medical examinations
  • Contract registration requirements
  • Minimum wage and benefit obligations
  • Insurance requirements

The platform streamlines how these requirements are met but doesn’t alter the fundamental regulatory framework.

Looking ahead

The successful consolidation of domestic worker visa services may serve as a model for further service integration across other employment categories and government functions.

MoHRE’s Work Bundle initiative is expected to expand with additional features and service categories as the digital infrastructure matures and user feedback is incorporated.

Platform Details:

Website: workinuae.ae
Access: UAE Pass or platform registration
Services: Visa applications, renewals, cancellations, and medical tests
Availability: 24/7 online access

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UAE : Why 20 per cent of Abu Dhabi land has been designated as nature reserves

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In a bold move for conservation, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has decreed that 20 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s land must now be protected as nature reserves. The directive will create new conservation zones and expand existing ones, reinforcing the UAE’s environmental leadership.

What will change
The expansion will add 4,581 square kilometres to Abu Dhabi’s protected areas under the Zayed Protected Areas Network, which already includes several terrestrial and marine reserves. New designated zones include Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir, Ghaf Natural Reserve, and expansions to Qasr Al Sarab and Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve.

Why it matters
This is more than just land allocation; it’s about protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations. Officials say it aligns with the UAE’s National Biodiversity Strategy 2031 and global goals, such as the “30 by 30” initiative.

Continuing momentum from Conservation Congress
The announcement follows the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, where global conservation goals were set and leadership reaffirmed. IUCN World Conservation Congress. The expanded reserves will be managed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), which views this as a means to strengthen its role in regional environmental governance.

What’s next
Expect to see new programmes in wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and collaborative projects with international partners. Early signs of bilateral environmental MoUs, such as with Japan for bird conservation, are already being put in motion.

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UAE introduces ‘Eye’: An AI system to approve work permits with minimal human input

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The UAE is taking another big leap into the future. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has unveiled an AI system called “Eye”, designed to issue work permits almost automatically. The announcement was made during GITEX Global 2025, in line with the country’s push toward digitising government services.

How it works
‘Eye’ uses artificial intelligence to verify key documents, personal photos, passports, and academic credentials, reducing human intervention to only exceptional cases. The aim is to speed up approvals, reduce errors, and cut bureaucratic red tape.

Why it matters
For employers and applicants, this means faster hiring cycles and less waiting. The move strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a digital-forward government and could make the labour market even more competitive and attractive. 

Voices from inside
Rashid Hassan Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Services at MoHRE, called ‘Eye’ a key step in enhancing the ministry’s services, aligning them with national directives and raising public expectations of government efficiency. 

This rollout accompanies other digital initiatives from MoHRE, including Work Bundle, Ask Data, and Smart Safety Tracker, all aimed at streamlining labour and permit procedures nationwide. 

What to watch next
Will ‘Eye’ really eliminate bottlenecks? Will companies see cost savings? And how will appeal or exception cases be handled? These are the questions many will be watching as the system is rolled out across the UAE.

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