UAE Makes History: Now One of the Top Three Best Places to Live in the World

In a milestone moment for the country’s global standing, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has climbed into the top three best places to live globally — an achievement it has never reached before.

According to the newly released 2026 Global Residence Program Index from Henley & Partners, the UAE surged from fifth place last year to tied second position, marking its strongest performance since the index began.

What This Ranking Means

The Global Residence Program Index evaluates around 40 residence schemes from more than 100 countries, measured by experts in immigration, economics and risk analysis. It considers:

• Quality of life
• Reputation
• Tax efficiency
• Visa and residency processing
• Mobility and compliance

The UAE earned strong scores across these categories, showing that the country is not just attractive for tourists or business, but also for people looking to live, work and raise families.

Why the UAE Climbed the Rankings

Experts at Henley & Partners highlighted several reasons for the UAE’s sharp rise:

A Global Hub for Wealth and Talent

The Emirates has increasingly become a destination of choice for international investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. Its strategic position as a global business centre helps draw foreign capital and expertise.

Tax and Financial Benefits

The UAE’s tax‑friendly environment including no personal income tax and other competitive financial policies makes it one of the most appealing places for high‑net‑worth individuals to settle.

High Quality of Life

The report places the UAE in the same quality‑of‑life tier as countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland, a powerful signal that the Emirates is now a serious contender among the world’s most desirable places to live.

Clear and Flexible Residency Options

The UAE has steadily streamlined and expanded its pathways to residency, offering programmes that appeal not just to wealthy investors but also to professionals, entrepreneurs and families. These include long‑term visas and special options for talent in key sectors.

A Shift in Global Choices

Henley & Partners notes that while European destinations have traditionally dominated residence rankings, countries like the UAE are now challenging that trend, reflecting a broader shift in how people choose where to settle.

This shift also fits with other recent findings showing the UAE performing strongly in global quality‑of‑life and expat surveys. For example:

• The country ranked second for quality of life in a 2025 global expatriate survey.
• UAE cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai consistently score high in liveability and safety indexes, contributing to the country’s appeal for families and professionals alike.

What It Means for Residents

For people already living in the Emirates both citizens and expatriates, this ranking reinforces a growing sense that the UAE is more than a temporary stop or career opportunity. It has become a long‑term home, offering stability, quality services, and a vibrant multicultural lifestyle.

With ambitious development plans and continued focus on innovation, infrastructure and global connectivity, the UAE looks set to build on this achievement and to remain one of the world’s most attractive places to live.