The UAE has ranked highest worldwide for trust in government in the latest global survey, reinforcing the country’s reputation for stability, effective leadership, and public confidence.
The result comes from the Edelman Trust Barometer 2026, an annual international study that measures how much people trust key institutions such as government, business, media, and NGOs.
What the 2026 Survey Shows
According to the 2026 findings, residents in the UAE reported the strongest level of trust in government among all countries surveyed. This places the UAE ahead of both developed and emerging economies.
The Edelman Trust Barometer surveys tens of thousands of respondents across multiple countries. It looks at trust through several lenses, including:
- Confidence in public services
- Perception of government competence
- Belief that leaders act in the public’s best interest
- Ability to manage crises and long-term challenges
The UAE’s top ranking suggests that residents feel government policies are clear, consistent, and effective.
Why Trust Levels Are High
While the survey does not rank policies individually, Edelman notes that high-trust countries often share common traits. These include clear communication, visible action during crises, and long-term planning.
In the UAE’s case, trust has remained strong in recent years due to steady governance, infrastructure development, and fast response during periods of global uncertainty. Residents also tend to associate government institutions with efficiency and predictability.
How the UAE Compares Globally
Globally, trust in governments has been uneven. Many countries continue to see declining confidence due to economic pressure, political division, or weak public services.
Against this backdrop, the UAE’s top position stands out. The 2026 results show a clear gap between high-trust countries and those where trust remains fragile.
Edelman’s data also suggests that trust plays a role in social stability, compliance with public policies, and confidence in future growth.
In contrast, countries with lower trust scores often face challenges in policy acceptance and public cooperation. Edelman’s findings suggest that rebuilding trust takes time and consistent delivery, making sustained high rankings difficult to achieve.
For residents, high trust in government often translates into smoother daily interactions, clearer regulations, and greater confidence in long-term plans. In a country with a large expatriate population such as the UAE, this sense of predictability can influence decisions around work, relocation, and investment.