Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Thirty-two percent of people in the UAE say they see no major problems facing the country - a higher share than anywhere else in the world, according to a new global study by Gallup released at the World Governments Summit (WGS) on Wednesday.
Kuwait and Bahrain ranked next in the share of respondents reporting no pressing national issues.
The results come from Gallup's new report, "The World's Most Important Problem: What People Need Leaders to Hear in 2026", which surveyed adults in 107 countries and areas.
It offers comprehensive global snapshots of what people believe their governments should prioritise.
The economy is the most frequently cited national problem around the world, with a global median of 23%, followed by work and employment (10%), politics and government (8%), and safety and security (7%).
"People don't feel progress through GDP charts. They feel it through safety, dignity and opportunity in their daily lives," said Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup. "Leaders who ignore that risk solving the wrong problems."
The study finds that perceptions of economic wellbeing are often disconnected from headline indicators such as GDP growth.
Instead, people judge the economy through personal experience, including household finances, job quality, housing affordability, and access to basic necessities.
Economic anxiety is most pronounced among young adults aged 15 to 34, and women are more likely than men to cite the economy as their country's top concern.
This gender gap widens in lower-income countries, where financial insecurity is more acute.
Notably, even in high-income countries such as Ireland, Australia and Canada, affording basic necessities remains a leading concern.
Work-related concerns extend beyond unemployment alone, the report shows.
Across regions, people are increasingly focused on the quality, stability and dignity of work, suggesting that job creation alone is no longer sufficient to meet public expectations.
In wealthier and more stable countries, dissatisfaction often centres on politics and governance, particularly where trust in institutions is low.
By contrast, in countries affected by conflict or instability, physical safety and security overshadow all other concerns.
"These findings point to a shared leadership reality across contexts: People measure national progress by their daily experience, whether they can live well, work well, trust governance and feel safe," Gallup said.
Understanding those lived experiences, the report added, is critical for leaders seeking to respond effectively to public priorities.
