UAE Climbs to 21st in Global Happiness Index

The country also stands out for its culture of giving – it ranks 16th globally for donating money and 19th for volunteering time. However, it comes in at 67th for helping a stranger, revealing an interesting contrast in how generosity is expressed.

Another key finding places the UAE 12th worldwide in trust levels, as measured by the belief that a lost wallet would be returned. Experts highlight that beyond economic strength, happiness is driven by trust, social connections, and a sense of community – all of which play a significant role in shaping well-being.

The UAE has declared 2025 as the "Year of Community", focusing on strengthening family and societal bonds, which are major contributors to happiness.

Globally, Finland leads the index for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, countries like Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Yemen remain at the lower end of the ranking.