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.”

في تقرير عالمي جديد شمل استطلاع آراء ١٠٠ ألف شخص في ١٠١ دولة حول العالم .. الإمارات في المرتبة الأولى إقليميًا والعاشرة عالمياً في قوة التأثير في المؤشر الدولي للقوة الناعمة العالمي ٢٠٢٢ ..كما جاءت في المرتبة ١٠ عالمياً في التأثير الدبلوماسي .. و١١ عالمياً في التأثير الإعلامي.. pic.twitter.com/OPMBGnbXFN

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 15, 2022

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.