IMD Report: UAE enters global top 10 for talent competitiveness in 2025

• In the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025, the UAE earned the 9th spot, indicating its effective policies for fostering a strong talent pool and business environment.
• Positive figures such as 9.35% labour force growth highlight why global entrepreneurs prioritise doing business in the UAE.
• With an 8th-place ranking in quality of life and 3rd in health infrastructure, the country is a top choice for seamless company setup.

The United Arab Emirates came in 9th in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025, marking its first entry into the top 10 most competitive economies for talent. This is the country’s best result since the index began and reflects steady progress in workforce readiness, international appeal, and infrastructure. This development is significant for foreign investors and entrepreneurs looking to expand in the UAE, especially in Dubai, one of the country’s main hubs for global businesses.

The country’s rise to the global top 10 economies is a result of decades of reforms and targeted investments. From 2016 to 2019, the UAE was in the mid-20s to 30th, but by 2024, it secured the 17th rank. This trend emphasises proactive improvements in education, labour policy, and infrastructure, which have increased the UAE’s appeal to skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, the report demonstrates how the UAE continues to lead the Arab world in talent competitiveness. It also now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Europe’s strongest performers (including Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands) in the broader EMEA region. This progress underscored its unique role as a regional leader and a global business hub.

How the UAE secured 9th place in the 2025 IMD World Talent Ranking

The country’s impressive climb in global rankings comes down to a few key strengths, particularly readiness, appeal, and infrastructure.

1. No. 1 globally in the Readiness factor

Readiness is the UAE’s strongest performance area, ranking No. 1 globally and proving that its workforce is highly aligned with market demands. Key highlights include:

• Labour force growth (9.35%) – the highest among all 69 economies
• Foreign student mobility – No. 1 worldwide, with 22.2 inbound per 1,000 residents
• Pupil-teacher ratio in secondary education – 3rd worldwide, at 8.6
• Executive confidence – senior managers rate the UAE 1st for international exposure and availability

Taken together, these indicators confirm the UAE’s ability to meet global business demands with a skilled and future-ready workforce. This is particularly relevant for those exploring efficient company set-up in Dubai, as access to talent is a decisive factor.

2. 12th in Appeal for global talent

The country performs strongly in Appeal as well, holding 12th place globally. Factors include:

• 0% collected income tax, a major draw for international professionals and entrepreneurs
• A multicultural environment with one of the world’s highest shares of foreign residents
• High executive confidence in the UAE’s openness and talent competitiveness

3. Infrastructure and quality of life

Reliable infrastructure is also becoming more important for talent and entrepreneurs considering moving to or starting their enterprises in the region. IMD’s survey further reveals that 67.4% of executives in the UAE see infrastructure as a main factor. In addition to large-scale projects, the everyday reliability of digital networks, utilities, and transport makes the nation a practical and attractive place to do business.

• 8th globally in quality of life – making the UAE attractive for professionals and families alike
• 3rd in health infrastructure – reassuring both executives and employees about long-term well-being

Is the UAE the best place to scale or start a business?

The 2025 IMD World Talent Ranking looks at 69 economies to see how well they develop, attract, and keep talent. It focuses on three main areas: Investment and Development, Appeal, and Readiness. Notably, this year’s report shines a light on the usual top performers (Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Sweden) as well as the countries that are quickly making progress.

As established, the report reveals the UAE’s solid performance this year. The country’s pursuit of excelling in global workforce readiness, world-class infrastructure, and high quality of life has paid off. These results are especially relevant for those starting or considering expanding their businesses in the UAE — or in dynamic hubs like Dubai. Needless to say, access to a skilled workforce, investor-friendly policies, and international connectivity make this city an attractive destination for sustainable growth.