The UAE ranked first among Arab countries in the Global Prosperity and Well-Being Index for 2021, issued by the UK-based Legatum Institute, while Yemen was found to have the lowest levels of prosperity in the ranking. The Prosperity and Well-Being Index is an annual ranking developed by the Legatum Institute, based on a variety of factors including wealth, economic growth, quality of life, health, education, and personal well-being. The purpose of the index is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of countries to determine the economic choices that should be made to continue building inclusive societies, opening avenues for innovation, and empowering people to achieve prosperity.
The index measures the performance of 167 countries, relying on 12 pillars across three main areas of prosperity that encompass comprehensive standards for communities, investment environment and open economies, and the living, health, and educational conditions of individuals. Among Arab countries, the UAE (41st globally) ranked first, followed by Qatar (46th globally), then Bahrain (56th globally), Kuwait (58th globally), Oman (67th globally), and Saudi Arabia (75th globally).
Globally, Denmark topped the list of the most prosperous countries, followed by Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland. Below is the ranking of 167 countries in the Prosperity and Well-Being Index:
