United Arab Emirates
Last updated December 22, 2025
Composite GEFRI Score
Progressing readiness
United Arab Emirates shows progressing readiness (82nd percentile worldwide). Reforms are translating into broader capability, though uneven performance continues to slow system-wide alignment. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 82nd
- Global rank
- #32
- Regional rank
- #2
- Viewing data for
Country profile
United Arab Emirates shows strong future-readiness momentum, with clear strengths in School Access and Gender Parity (96, 97th percentile) and Infrastructure (75, 94th percentile).
All or most indicators are based on observed data, giving planners a dependable evidence base for decisions. Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation.
A large research workforce accelerates experimentation, technology adoption, and applied innovation. Policy and regulatory teams coordinate effectively, keeping reforms aligned and providing the stability needed for long-term educational planning. Gender parity across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.
Regionally, United Arab Emirates leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.
Areas with room to grow: Human Capital (56, 68th percentile). These dimensions sit close to global norms and could accelerate quickly with targeted investment.
Key insights
- Sits above the global median at the 82nd percentile.
- Places 32nd worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 2nd within Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan.
- Scores range from Access & Parity (96.5) to Human Capital (55.7), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Leads regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Composite GEFRI score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1 | Israel | 74.24 |
| 32 | 2 | United Arab Emirates | 70.10 |
| 39 | 3 | Malta | 64.34 |
| 41 | 4 | Saudi Arabia | 63.68 |
| 56 | 5 | Qatar | 59.67 |
| 62 | 6 | Kuwait | 57.82 |
| 64 | 7 | Bahrain | 57.41 |
| 65 | 8 | Jordan | 57.41 |
| 81 | 9 | Oman | 53.74 |
| 82 | 10 | Morocco | 53.24 |
| 86 | 11 | Tunisia | 52.02 |
| 87 | 12 | Algeria | 51.24 |
| 90 | 13 | Iran, Islamic Rep. | 50.79 |
| 99 | 14 | Egypt, Arab Rep. | 48.93 |
| 105 | 15 | West Bank and GazaFCS | 45.80 |
| 116 | 16 | LibyaFCS | 38.62 |
| 118 | 17 | IraqFCS | 38.08 |
| 125 | 18 | Djibouti | 35.55 |
| 126 | 19 | LebanonFCS | 35.37 |
| 139 | 20 | Pakistan | 29.77 |
| 149 | 21 | Syrian Arab RepublicFCS | 26.62 |
| 163 | 22 | Yemen, Rep.FCS | 22.34 |
| 173 | 23 | AfghanistanFCS | 16.59 |