The UAE’s soft power success story: 10th in the world and 1st in the region

Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 10:36 pm

The UAE has maintained its position as the 10th most influential country in the world, according to the Brand Finance Soft Power Index 2024, which measures the reputation and impact of 193 nations. 

The UAE is also the only Gulf country and the first regionally to rank among the top 10 soft powers, demonstrating its global status and leadership. The results of the index were announced during the annual Global Soft Power Summit, which was held in London on February 29, 2024.

What is the Brand Finance Soft Power Index?

The Brand Finance Soft Power Index is a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the soft power of nations, based on the input of over 170,000 respondents from around the world. Soft power is defined as the ability of a country to influence the preferences and behaviors of others through attraction, persuasion, and agenda-setting, rather than coercion or force. 

The index evaluates the soft power of nations across seven key pillars: business and trade, governance, international relations, culture and heritage, media and communications, education and science, and people and values. The index also considers the performance of nations in various indicators, such as strong and stable economy, internationally admired leaders, future growth potential, and generosity and giving.

How did the UAE perform in the index?

The UAE achieved a remarkable score of 60.4 out of 100 in the Brand Finance Soft Power Index 2024, securing the 10th place for the second consecutive year. The UAE also ranked first regionally and among the Arab countries, surpassing other influential nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar. The UAE’s performance reflects its consistent efforts and achievements in enhancing its soft power and reputation on the global stage, as well as its proactive and influential role in advancing global peace and development.

The UAE excelled in several pillars and indicators of the index, such as:

– Business and trade: The UAE ranked 1st in the world in the ‘Strong and Stable Economy’ indicator, confirming its status as a model of sustainable economic growth and diversification. The UAE also ranked 3rd in the world in the ‘Future Growth Potential’ indicator, highlighting its strategic vision and investment in innovation and technology.

Keep Reading

– Governance: The UAE ranked 10th in the world in the ‘Internationally Admired Leaders’ indicator, reflecting the global respect and appreciation for the UAE leadership and its balanced and wise foreign policy. The UAE also ranked 8th in the world in the ‘Influencing International Diplomatic Circles’ indicator, demonstrating its active and constructive role in regional and global affairs.

– Culture and heritage: The UAE ranked 6th in the world in the ‘Rich and Diverse Culture and Heritage’ indicator, showcasing its cultural diversity and tolerance, as well as its preservation and promotion of its heritage and traditions. The UAE also ranked 9th in the world in the ‘Attractive Lifestyle and Living Standards’ indicator, indicating its high quality of life and happiness.

– Media and communications: The UAE ranked 7th in the world in the ‘Effective Use of Soft Power in Media and Communications’ indicator, indicating its success in communicating its achievements and initiatives to the world, as well as its openness and transparency. The UAE also ranked 8th in the world in the ‘Positive Image and Reputation’ indicator, indicating its favorable perception and trust among the global public.

– Education and science: The UAE ranked 8th in the world in the ‘High Quality and Accessible Education’ indicator, indicating its excellence and innovation in education, as well as its opportunities and scholarships for students. The UAE also ranked 9th in the world in the ‘Advanced and Pioneering Science and Technology’ indicator, indicating its leadership and contribution in scientific research and development.

– People and values: The UAE ranked 3rd in the world in the ‘Generosity and Giving’ indicator, indicating its humanitarian and charitable efforts and donations, both locally and internationally. The UAE also ranked 7th in the world in the ‘Friendly and Welcoming People’ indicator, indicating its hospitality and kindness to visitors and residents.

The UAE has maintained its position as the 10th most influential country in the world, according to the Brand Finance Soft Power Index 2024, which measures the reputation and impact of 193 nations. 

The UAE is also the only Gulf country and the first regionally to rank among the top 10 soft powers, demonstrating its global status and leadership. The UAE’s performance reflects its consistent efforts and achievements in enhancing its soft power and reputation on the global stage, as well as its proactive and influential role in advancing global peace and development. The UAE excelled in several pillars and indicators of the index, such as business and trade, governance, culture and heritage, media and communications, education and science, and people and values.