The UAE has been ranked 1st in the Arab region and 17th worldwide, up from last year’s 18th ranking, in the Global Soft Power Index 2021.

The UAE’s overall Soft Power score is improved by 5%, primarily due to the Emirates Mars Mission that raised the country’s influence and enhanced its status in the global sphere. According to the Global Soft Power Index 2021, the UAE sits at the top in the Middle East, and among the other top 10 nations in the world, in the ease of doing business, respected leaders, safety and security, leading-edge technology, affairs people follow closely influence in diplomatic circles, and strong and stable economy.

In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said, "The Global Soft Power Index 2021, which involved 77,000 respondents across 105 nations, ranked the UAE as the 17th globally and the 1st regionally in its overall influence.

He added, "The UAE has been ranked the 9th globally for its affairs people follow closely, moving up to 8 places from last year. The international public named the UAE among the top 10 nations in the world with a strong and stable economy, safety, security and diplomatic influence."

He stressed that "The UAE will continue to build bridges with people across the world and establish positive economic and developmental relations with other nations as well. The UAE is not a place in the globe, but the globe in 1 place."

The index evaluated the familiarity and influence and global reputation of nations on the main pillars of international relations, business and trade, education and science, people and values, governance, and media and communication. The index also measured the COVID-19 response of governments in a newly launched category.

The general public reported growing positive perceptions of the UAE in the fields of education and science, governance, and people and values. According to the index, the widespread positive media coverage on the success of the Emirates Mars Mission helped boost perceptions of the UAE on ‘leading-edge technology’.