# United Arab Emirates Achieves Remarkable Progress in Human Development
The **United Arab Emirates** (UAE) has solidified its status among countries with “very high human development” by climbing **11 spots** globally in the **2025 Human Development Index (HDI)** report, as released by the **United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)**. The UAE now ranks **15th** out of **193 countries**, surpassing nations such as Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Korea. It continues to be the **only Arab country** in the top 20, showcasing its dedication to a comprehensive development strategy that emphasizes human wellbeing.
## Key Highlights
– **HDI Score:** The UAE achieved an HDI score of **0.94** in the 2025 Human Development Report titled *A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)*.
– **Main Indicators:**
– **Life Expectancy:** 82.9 years, supporting **Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3** on “Good Health and Well-being.”
– **Expected Years of Schooling:** 15.6 years, contributing to **SDG 4** on quality education.
– **Average Years of Schooling:** 13 years.
– **Gross National Income per Capita:** $71,142, tied to **SDG 8** on decent work and economic growth.
## Government Officials’ Insights
– **Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais**, Minister of Health and Prevention, emphasized that the UAE’s leading position reflects its continuous investment in a world-class healthcare system that promotes innovation and delivers high-quality services.
– **Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri**, Minister of Education, highlighted that education has always been a cornerstone of the UAE’s development strategy. She pointed to the adoption of adaptive and forward-looking education policies aimed at preparing future generations for competitiveness, particularly in artificial intelligence.
– **Hanan Mansour Ahli**, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, remarked on the UAE’s human-centric development model, which leverages healthcare, education, and innovation as foundational pillars for a prosperous future.
## The Role of AI in Human Development
The report warns of the increasing influence of AI on human development, indicating that disparities between high- and low-development countries may widen. It calls for adaptable, human-focused strategies in healthcare, education, and living standards, emphasizing the importance of human capital in the digital era.
The UAE has also ranked **third globally** in net migration of AI-skilled professionals in 2023, based on LinkedIn data, reinforcing its position as a desirable hub for AI talent.
## Conclusion
The report concludes that while high-income countries like the UAE are beneficiaries of specialized talent, lower-income nations often face significant losses. It advocates for a cooperative digital economy where humans and AI operate in harmony, focusing on empowering individuals through knowledge and technology for inclusive and sustainable growth.
