The UAE regains its position as one of the world’s most trusted nations, according to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer. Ranking third globally in trust across business, NGOs, government, and the media, the UAE demonstrates significant levels of confidence in all four sectors.
The government has once again proven to be the most reliable institution, earning 86% of the vote, closely followed by business at 78%. Globally, business stands out as the sole reputable institution.
The study, conducted among 32,000 individuals across 28 nations, revealed that despite divisive global challenges such as conflict, food scarcity, and climate change, unwavering trust exists in the UAE.
The UAE garners high trust levels due to positive perceptions of its government, corporate sector, and non-governmental organizations as moral and effective.
The country excels in economic optimism, with 72% of respondents expecting their financial status to improve within five years, surpassing the global average of 40%. This reflects a 10-point increase from 2022, demonstrating the UAE’s strong reputation and positive outlook for personal and family prosperity.
The UAE stands out for its robust institutional reputation, contributing to the cultivation of unity and cohesion within the nation. In contrast, many other countries experience ongoing polarization and a gradual deterioration of social fabric, primarily due to government mistrust, a lack of shared identity, and systemic injustice.
Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East, highlighted that global economic optimism continues to decline, with 24 out of 28 countries in their study reaching all-time lows. Additionally, 53% of respondents worldwide believe their countries are more divided today compared to the past. However, the UAE defies this trend once again, emerging as a highly unified nation according to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report.
Qirem emphasized that the UAE’s clear and well-defined long-term social and economic policies have made it one of the most popular and sought-after destinations globally. The country’s ability to attract expatriates, businesses, and tourists while preserving its unique cultural heritage and identity has contributed to its success.
Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East, emphasized that with trust remaining high in the UAE, there is an expectation for businesses and CEOs to publicly address societal issues such as climate change, discrimination, wealth inequality, and employee treatment. Qirem further highlighted that by working together, businesses and governments can play a crucial role in achieving outcomes that lead us towards a more equitable, secure, and prosperous society.
Four other sectors UAE excels in:
According to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, up to 75% of respondents believe that brands have the potential to promote shared interests and strengthen social cohesion, creating a sense of shared identity.
In the United Arab Emirates, all four institutions—businesses, NGOs, government, and the media—are considered reliable sources of information, with official sources being the most trusted.
The public expresses confidence in various experts and leaders, including CEOs (68%), scientists (84%), and journalists (61%).
A significant majority of respondents (79%) believe that CEOs should speak out about global concerns like climate change, while 84% expect leaders to support diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI).
The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, the 23rd annual study conducted by the Edelman Trust Institute, took place between November 1 and November 28, 2022.
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