United Arab Emirates
Last updated August 26, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Access & Parity and Infrastructure are clear system strengths
United Arab Emirates shows advanced readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (82nd percentile worldwide). Most dimensions perform above global norms, and the system has clear capacity to scale future-oriented initiatives.
- Global percentile
- 82nd
- Global rank
- #32
- Regional rank
- #2
- Viewing data for
Country profile
United Arab Emirates ranks among the stronger performers in GEFRI, but still falls short of the target-readiness threshold. Its strongest results are in School Access and Gender Parity (99, 99th percentile) and Infrastructure (91, 90th percentile). All reported dimension scores sit above global norms.
Uneven scores across dimensions show where readiness conditions are less aligned. 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.
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 (99.1) to Governance (64.9), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 1 | Israel | 84.75 |
| 32 | 2 | United Arab Emirates | 80.68 |
| 39 | 3 | Saudi Arabia | 76.67 |
| 42 | 4 | Malta | 75.34 |
| 46 | 5 | Qatar | 72.99 |
| 53 | 6 | Bahrain | 71.18 |
| 62 | 7 | Oman | 69.09 |
| 72 | 8 | Kuwait | 68.04 |
| 76 | 9 | Morocco | 66.91 |
| 77 | 10 | Jordan | 66.65 |
| 82 | 11 | Tunisia | 64.69 |
| 90 | 12 | Egypt, Arab Rep. | 60.85 |
| 106 | 13 | Iran, Islamic Rep.FCS | 56.11 |
| 108 | 14 | Algeria | 54.87 |
| 110 | 15 | West Bank and GazaFCS | 53.03 |
| 119 | 16 | Djibouti | 46.86 |
| 122 | 17 | IraqFCS | 44.97 |
| 126 | 18 | LebanonFCS | 43.40 |
| 131 | 19 | LibyaFCS | 42.27 |
| 148 | 20 | Syrian Arab RepublicFCS | 34.76 |
| 163 | 21 | Yemen, Rep.FCS | 28.79 |