Arab youth name UAE as model country for 12th year in row

Arab youth have once again named the UAE as the country they would most like to live in and the one they would want their own country to emulate.

That’s according to the 15th annual ASDA'A BCW Arab Youth Survey, which marks the 12th consecutive year that the UAE has been ranked as the top choice.

Meanwhile, the US and Canada retained their positions as the second and third most desired countries to live in, respectively. 

Notably, three other GCC nations, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, appear in the top five model nations for the first time in nine years.

The survey, which interviewed 3,600 citizens aged 18 to 24 across 18 Arab states, revealed that the youth admired the UAE for its safe and secure environment, growing economy, effective leadership, clean environment and ease of starting a business. 

The UAE was also praised for being a good place to raise a family, offering job opportunities, quality schools, strong cultural identity, heritage and competitive salaries. 

Qatar's inclusion among the top five model nations is attributed to the positive impact of the FIFA World Cup 2022. 

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to Twitter to applaud the Arab youth's decision. 

للعام الثاني عشر على التوالي وضمن استطلاع لرأي الشباب العربي في 53 مدينة من 18 دولة عربية، أكثر الشباب العربي يرون دولة الإمارات هي الدولة المفضلة للعيش والعمل تليها الولايات المتحدة ثم كندا .. ويرونها أيضاً النموذج الأنجح الذي يتمنون لدولهم أن تقتدي به..

ونحن نكرر رسالتنا…

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) June 20, 2023

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda, Sunil John, President – MENA, BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, explained some of the reasons why the UAE is once again at the top spot.

He also highlighted why Qatar has seen a surge in interest as well.