The UAE maintained its position as the most prosperous country in the Arab World and the only nation in the Middle East and North Africa region to be ranked in the top 50 for the second year running, according to a global survey of wealth and happiness released yesterday.
The UAE was ranked 47th worldwide while Kuwait was put at 53rd, Saudi Arabia at 81st, Egypt at 88th, Iran at 94th, Algeria at 96th and Yemen at 102nd, according to Legatum Institute's Prosperity Index.
The UAE enjoyed even better ranking last year, when it was ranked 28th worldwide.
The Legatum index showed that the UAE scored high on security, safety and health.
The index – which ranks 104 countries covering 90 per cent of the world's population – is based on a definition of prosperity that combines economic growth with measures of happiness and quality of life.
Dr William Inboden, Senior Vice-President of Legatum Institute, said: "Several countries in the region are taking positive steps towards reform… [but] it still faces considerable challenges in developing economic potential as well as improving the quality of life of its citizens. However, there are some bright spots."
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