Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE ranked seventh in the Henley Opportunity Index 2026, standing out as the only country from the region to place in the global top 15, according to the report published on Tuesday.
The index, released as part of the Henley Education Report 2026, evaluates how effectively residence and citizenship pathways – through investment or merit – enable access to exceptional education, economic strength, career opportunities, and global mobility.
The UAE recorded an overall score of 68% with strong performance across several key indicators. It scored 82 for top-tier employment prospects, 73 for earning potential, and 71 for premium education. Other metrics included economic mobility at 66, liveability at 62 and career advancement at 53.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai were identified in the report as major global hubs for wealth, entrepreneurship and international talent.
Henley & Partners said that the UAE's business-friendly environment, modern infrastructure and global connectivity continue to attract skilled professionals from around the world, reinforcing its role as a gateway to opportunity across the Middle East and beyond.
The country is also home to branches of well-known international universities and private schools that follow global curricula, enabling students to earn internationally accredited qualifications.
Globally, Switzerland topped the 2026 index, followed by Singapore and Australia, while the UK and the US shared fourth place. The rest of the top 15 comprised Canada, Austria, the UAE, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal and Greece.
The index is updated each year to reflect changes in economic conditions, geopolitical developments and global education trends.
Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, said the findings highlight the growing importance of pairing education with access to the right economic environments.
"A top-tier qualification can deliver vastly different outcomes depending on the economic and institutional environment surrounding it," he said, adding the index identifies "where education and ambition can translate most effectively into long-term success".
Jean Paul Fabri, Chief Economist at Henley & Partners, noted that citizenship and residence rights are increasingly being viewed as a form of economic capital, allowing individuals to access multiple labour markets and professional networks.
"Citizenship today is not just a legal status – it is an economic asset," he said.
Tess Wilkinson, Director of Education Services at Henley & Partners, added that families are placing increasing weight not only on where their children study, but also on where they can build their careers after graduation.
"A degree from Oxford or Harvard is valuable, but its long-term return depends on where it can actually be deployed," she said.
The report also highlighted the UAE's residence-by-investment offering, including the Golden Visa programme, which grants long-term residency to foreign investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.
A minimum investment of Dh2 million is required to qualify for a 10-year visa, while investors aged 55 and over can obtain a five-year visa with an investment of Dh1 million.
