Photo: Mardetanha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates compared on 249 statistics from 51 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, Saudi Arabia is placed joint 78th and United Arab Emirates is placed 39th of 183 countries.
Country Index 2026 · standing
A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026
At a glance
Population3.1×
Saudi Arabia: 33,264,292people
United Arab Emirates: 10,642,081people
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Land area30×
Saudi Arabia: 2,149,690km²
United Arab Emirates: 71,020km²
2024 · FAO
GDP per person
Saudi Arabia: 63,0512025 · international $, PPP
United Arab Emirates: 69,7022024 · international $, PPP
World Bank Group
Life expectancy
Saudi Arabia: 78.73years at birth
United Arab Emirates: 82.91years at birth
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Human development
Saudi Arabia: 0.9HDI, 0–1
United Arab Emirates: 0.94HDI, 0–1
2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office
Unemployment
Saudi Arabia: 3.038% of the labour force
United Arab Emirates: 2.174% of the labour force
2025 · ILO
The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.
01The answer first
In short
United Arab Emirates’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: Saudi Arabia 63,051 and United Arab Emirates 69,702 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2025 and 2024).
Saudi Arabia has 3.1 times as many people, and 30 times the land area.
Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on protected forest (100 and 4.24, FAO 2025), early learning participation (64.35 and 100, UIS 2024) and agriculture orientation index (0.19 and 1.22, FAO 2024). They are closest on CO₂ emissions per person (20.38 and 20.13, Global Carbon Project 2024), climate adaptation readiness (0.494 and 0.49, Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame 2024) and vulnerable employment (1.662 and 1.501, ILO 2025).
For 6 of the 249 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.
Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.
02Country Index 2026
Subject by subject in the Country Index
Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 54th · 58th of 194
- Economy & Innovation69th · — of 176United Arab Emirates has no standing on Economy & Innovation: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 4 key statistics a standing needs.
- Work & Labour45th · 10th of 182
- Education & Knowledge77th · 1st of 198
- Health & Wellbeingjoint 59th · 15th of 200
- Development & Human Capital50th · 64th of 196
- Environment & Sustainability185th · 173rd of 186
- Gender & Equality167th · 143rd of 183
- Democracy & Civil Liberties163rd · 148th of 198
- Peace & Security123rd · joint 34th of 177
- Risk & Resilience83rd · 75th of 193
- Mobility & Trade40th · 14th of 177
- Food & Agriculturejoint 86th · joint 37th of 184
- Poverty & Inequality— · joint 3rd of 159Saudi Arabia has no standing on Poverty & Inequality: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
- Digital & Technology45th · 26th of 198
Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.
03The evidence
Every statistic, subject by subject
249 statistics measure both countries; 72 more measure only Saudi Arabia and 23 only United Arab Emirates. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.
Governance & Institutions
Saudi Arabia:joint 54thUnited Arab Emirates:58thof 194
Saudi Arabia on Governance & Institutions →United Arab Emirates on Governance & Institutions →
Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.
9dashed: the middle country, 3989
Saudi Arabia: 5745th of 181 · rank
United Arab Emirates: 6921st of 181 · rank
Government Effectiveness
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.
-2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092
Saudi Arabia: 0.74
United Arab Emirates: 1.129
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.
0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988
Saudi Arabia: 0.285
United Arab Emirates: 0.141
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.
27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14
Saudi Arabia: 83.29
United Arab Emirates: 79.15
| Also measured · 21 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end | 0.395 | 0.465 |
| Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · 2022 · Higher is better | 30.2 | 0.2 |
| Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 0.49450th of 192 · rank | 0.4951st of 192 · rank |
| Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 99.92024 | 1002023 |
| Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.80648th of 211 · position · derived | 1.15236th of 211 · position · derived |
| Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2022 · Higher is better | 5.7 | 4.1 |
| Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.317143rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.199160th of 176 · position · derived |
| Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better | 0 | 3.25 |
| Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.047163rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.077153rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.246118th of 176 · position · derived | 1.71821st of 176 · position · derived |
| Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.73549th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.64865th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2022 · Higher is better | 24.5 | 19.7 |
| Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better | 7340th of 168 · rank | 857th of 168 · rank |
| Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.326114th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.105146th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end | 13.219th of 168 · position · derived | 7.5991st of 168 · position · derived |
| Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.66948th of 209 · position · derived | 1.17424th of 209 · position · derived |
| Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.597128th of 176 · position · derived | 0.85361st of 176 · position · derived |
| State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 98.8 | 96 |
| State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better | 0.40889th of 166 · position · derived | 0.71163rd of 166 · position · derived |
| State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.276150th of 176 · position · derived | -0.178147th of 176 · position · derived |
| Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.729193rd of 206 · position · derived | -1.07155th of 206 · position · derived |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Bribery Incidence · Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public Officials · Foundational ID Ownership · General Government Consumption · Public Sector Employment · Senior Management Time Spent on Government Regulation
Economy & Innovation
Saudi Arabia:69thUnited Arab Emirates:no standingof 176
Saudi Arabia on Economy & Innovation →
Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.
14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85
Saudi Arabia: 78.84
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.
-3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729
Saudi Arabia: 0.53848th of 145 · rank
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.
2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52
Saudi Arabia: 13.772025
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
GDP per Capita (PPP)
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.
1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593
Saudi Arabia: 63,051
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
| Also measured · 26 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better | 26,23839th of 173 · position · derived | 32,05624th of 173 · position · derived |
| Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 77.03 | 70.4 |
| Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end | -0.287 | -0.707 |
| Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 115,15543rd of 150 · position · derived | 594,67814th of 150 · position · derived |
| Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 8,029,57127th of 103 · position · derived | 23,466,9068th of 103 · position · derived |
| Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 182.292nd of 195 · position · derived | 116.0361st of 195 · position · derived |
| Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.515 | 0.292 |
| Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 172.662nd of 195 · position · derived | 124.8634th of 195 · position · derived |
| Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 2.555 | 8.537 |
| Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · No better end | 7.88 | 27.49 |
| Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.66750th of 170 · position · derived | 0.7435th of 170 · position · derived |
| Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better | 36.0446th of 139 · rank | 44.1530th of 139 · rank |
| Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better | 53,51710th of 166 · position · derived | 77,2044th of 166 · position · derived |
| Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better | 14.69 | 22.13 |
| Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 164.718th of 194 · position · derived | 132.130th of 194 · position · derived |
| Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end | 20,322 | 59,608 |
| Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end | 0.538 | 0.726 |
| Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better | 58.2740th of 195 · position · derived | 65.9810th of 195 · position · derived |
| Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 1,235202456th of 145 · position · derived | 2,607202139th of 145 · position · derived |
| Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end | 79,518 | 18,246 |
| Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 5.436 | 34.11 |
| Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · No better end | 20 | 9 |
| Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 155.67 | 104.92 |
| Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end | 25.5716th of 180 · position · derived | 17.6329th of 180 · position · derived |
| Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 28.24 | 90.59 |
| World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better | 66.938th of 99 · rank | 70.330th of 99 · rank |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · Creative Goods Exports · Creative Services Exports · Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Firms Competing Against Informal Firms · Firms with an International Quality Certification · GDP Growth · GNI per Capita (PPP) · Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · Gross Savings (% of GDP) · Household Consumption · Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · Inflation, GDP Deflator · Management Practices Index · Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · New Business Density · Research and Development Spending · Statutory Minimum Wage · Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Products · Total Factor Productivity Level · Trade (% of GDP)
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: ICT Services Exports
Work & Labour
Saudi Arabia:45thUnited Arab Emirates:10thof 182
Saudi Arabia on Work & Labour →United Arab Emirates on Work & Labour →
Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from
Employment-to-Population Ratio
ILO · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.
21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9
Saudi Arabia: 63.12
United Arab Emirates: 76.89
Unemployment Rate
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.
0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2
Saudi Arabia: 3.038
United Arab Emirates: 2.174
Vulnerable Employment
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.
0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22
Saudi Arabia: 1.662
United Arab Emirates: 1.501
| Also measured · 15 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end | 40.7775th of 182 · position · derived | 48.296th of 182 · position · derived |
| Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 6.64 | 10 |
| Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end | 2.499149th of 182 · position · derived | 1.438166th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end | 23.0755th of 182 · position · derived | 30.5919th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end | 74.4338th of 182 · position · derived | 67.9767th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2022 · Higher is better | 23.6 | 3 |
| Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 33.57160th of 182 · position · derived | 53.0393rd of 182 · position · derived |
| Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 62,74450th of 151 · position · derived | 236,33122nd of 151 · position · derived |
| Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 65.158th of 182 · position · derived | 78.5912th of 182 · position · derived |
| Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 65.2628th of 182 · position · derived | 41.2454th of 182 · position · derived |
| Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 84 | 60 |
| Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 3 | 0 |
| Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end | 5.547176th of 182 · position · derived | 5.066177th of 182 · position · derived |
| Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2022 · Higher is better | 3 | 0.4 |
| Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 10.01112th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 6.451146th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per Worker · Firms Offering Formal Training · GDP per Person Employed · Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: Informal Employment Rate · Share of Temporary Employees
Education & Knowledge
Saudi Arabia:77thUnited Arab Emirates:1stof 198
Saudi Arabia on Education & Knowledge →United Arab Emirates on Education & Knowledge →
Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from
Government Spending on Education
UIS · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.
0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39
Saudi Arabia: 4.481
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Out-of-School Rate, Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.
0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6
Saudi Arabia: 0.527
United Arab Emirates: 0.004
Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.
3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100
Saudi Arabia: 64.35
United Arab Emirates: 100
Upper Secondary Completion Rate
UIS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.
2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
| Also measured · 28 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.066168th of 176 · position · derived | 0.195147th of 176 · position · derived |
| Adult Literacy RateUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 97.9348th of 172 · position · derived | 98.8135th of 172 · position · derived |
| Bachelor's or Higher AttainmentUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 30.8923rd of 90 · position · derived | 52.721st of 90 · position · derived |
| Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 16.9524th of 195 · position · derived | 15.653rd of 195 · position · derived |
| Female Share of ResearchersUIS · years differ · No better end | 38.192024 | 33.582021 |
| Gender Parity Index, Tertiary EnrolmentUIS · 2024 · Closer to 1 is better | 1.0062nd of 95 · position · derived | 1.21939th of 95 · position · derived |
| Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 398.97104th of 172 · position · derived | 448.0456th of 172 · position · derived |
| Inbound Mobility Rate, TertiaryUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 5.71538th of 75 · position · derived | 654th of 75 · position · derived |
| Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 2021 · Lower is better | 32.4165th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 25.9272nd of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 7.88887th of 172 · position · derived | 9.64646th of 172 · position · derived |
| Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 11.6153rd of 193 · position · derived | 12.9916th of 193 · position · derived |
| Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 29.982022 | 55.012023 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of PrimaryUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 28.83 | 60.2 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · 2022 · Higher is better | 37.4 | 52 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of PrimaryUIS · 2021 · Higher is better | 71.07 | 75.03 |
| Out-of-School Rate, Lower Secondary AgeUIS · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.637105th of 116 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.011116th of 116 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| PISA Mathematics PerformanceOECD · 2022 · Higher is better | 388.7859th of 79 · position · derived | 431.1142nd of 79 · position · derived |
| PISA Reading PerformanceOECD · 2022 · Higher is better | 382.5561st of 79 · position · derived | 417.3547th of 79 · position · derived |
| PISA Science PerformanceOECD · 2022 · Higher is better | 390.3963rd of 79 · position · derived | 431.9846th of 79 · position · derived |
| Pre-Primary Net Enrolment RateUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 26.5107th of 120 · position · derived | 82.1740th of 120 · position · derived |
| Primary Schools with ElectricityUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Primary Schools with Internet for TeachingUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Pupils per Qualified Teacher, PrimaryUIS · 2024 · Lower is better | 14.0973rd of 92 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 14.7669th of 92 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| School Life ExpectancyUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 17.0217th of 77 · position · derived | 15.7827th of 77 · position · derived |
| Secondary School EnrolmentUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 110.6614th of 109 · position · derived | 102.1330th of 109 · position · derived |
| Tertiary Enrolment RatioUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 83.8814th of 95 · position · derived | 63.7435th of 95 · position · derived |
| Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 50.06 | 42.81 |
| Youth Literacy RateUIS · 2024 · Higher is better | 99.89 | 99.61 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Qualified Teachers in Primary Education
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: Female Share of STEM Graduates · Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · Share of Graduates from ICT Programmes · Upper Secondary Attainment
Health & Wellbeing
Saudi Arabia:joint 59thUnited Arab Emirates:15thof 200
Saudi Arabia on Health & Wellbeing →United Arab Emirates on Health & Wellbeing →
Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from
Life Expectancy at Birth
UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.
54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37
Saudi Arabia: 78.73
United Arab Emirates: 82.91
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 133 countries measured, values run from 0 to 63.1; the middle country is at 4.7.
0dashed: the middle country, 4.763.1
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: 0.9
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.
0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8
Saudi Arabia: 10.852020
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Under-Five Mortality Rate
UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.
1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65
Saudi Arabia: 5.958
United Arab Emirates: 4.789
| Also measured · 27 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 11.11159th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.103204th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 81.5163rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 30.5221st of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 29.96 | 17.42 |
| Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better | 84.5148th of 144 · position · derived | 83.5851st of 144 · position · derived |
| Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.27 | 0.23 |
| Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 22.2 | 36 |
| Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end | 3.07 | 3.27 |
| Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better | 173.05 | 189.12 |
| Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 53.3147th of 196 · position · derived | 60.8128th of 196 · position · derived |
| Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 12.92 | 23.11 |
| Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 105.32 | 64.13 |
| Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.22861st of 172 · rank | 0.0413th of 172 · rank |
| Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 0.57684th of 172 · position · derived | 0.67343rd of 172 · position · derived |
| Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 98 | 98 |
| Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 99 | 98 |
| Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 4.656155th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.781164th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Institutional DeliveriesUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 98.72019 | 99.92011too old to compare |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 18.2169th of 222 · position · derived | 20.0142nd of 222 · position · derived |
| Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 58.08 | 67.84 |
| Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 18.3 | 28.7 |
| Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.469150th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.222160th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.864157th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.361170th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better | 50.16th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 43.512th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 2.5104th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.5104th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better | 45 | 38 |
| Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better | 4.033149th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.913152nd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 118.98 | 70.94 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four Visits · Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · Overweight Prevalence in Children Under Five · Pesticide Use per Hectare · Postnatal Care for Newborns Within Two Days · Wasting Prevalence in Children Under Five
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: Early Initiation of Breastfeeding · Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic · HPV Vaccination Coverage, Girls · Low Birthweight Prevalence · Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity
Development & Human Capital
Saudi Arabia:50thUnited Arab Emirates:64thof 196
Saudi Arabia on Development & Human Capital →United Arab Emirates on Development & Human Capital →
Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.
0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972
Saudi Arabia: 0.937th of 193 · rank
United Arab Emirates: 0.9415th of 193 · rank
Maternal Mortality Ratio
MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.
0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83
Saudi Arabia: 7.36
United Arab Emirates: 2.54
| Also measured · 4 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better | 0.931139th of 184 · position · derived | 0.957111th of 184 · position · derived |
| Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.66685th of 156 · position · derived | 0.585111th of 156 · position · derived |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Child Marriage
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: Coefficient of Human Inequality · Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index · Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI) · Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up Estimates
Environment & Sustainability
Saudi Arabia:185thUnited Arab Emirates:173rdof 186
Saudi Arabia on Environment & Sustainability →United Arab Emirates on Environment & Sustainability →
Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from
CO₂ Emissions per Capita
Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.
0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27
Saudi Arabia: 20.38
United Arab Emirates: 20.13
Ecological Footprint
Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.
0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Organic Agricultural Area
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38
Saudi Arabia: 0.01
United Arab Emirates: 1.36
Water Stress
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851
Saudi Arabia: 974.17
United Arab Emirates: 1,437
| Also measured · 29 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end | 16,05771st of 193 · position · derived | 5,313120th of 193 · position · derived |
| Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 1.47100th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.7880th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.436101st of 121 · position · derived | 23.9911th of 121 · position · derived |
| Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 80.775th of 209 · position · derived | 5.515193rd of 209 · position · derived |
| Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.03 | 0.1 |
| Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.102107th of 206 · position · derived | 0.005196th of 206 · position · derived |
| Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 4.981 | 5 |
| Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end | 10,003 | 0 |
| Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better | 4.788th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 4.3100th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end | 178.52 | 67.7 |
| Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end | 54.12 | 140.42 |
| Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better | 5.969 | 6.782 |
| Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end | 122.4271st of 188 · position · derived | 326.8917th of 188 · position · derived |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end | 247,207 | 60,641 |
| Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.454200th of 210 · position · derived | 4.468181st of 210 · position · derived |
| Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 100 | 4.24 |
| Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end | 232,932118th of 179 · position · derived | 945165th of 179 · position · derived |
| Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.04185th of 188 · position · derived | 3.0914th of 188 · position · derived |
| Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end | 6,505 | 9,659 |
| Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end | 4,053 | 1,201 |
| Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · 2022 · Lower is better | 1.80631st of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.2667th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 51.1271st of 190 · rank | 53.6956th of 190 · rank |
| Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 400 | 99 |
| Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end | 3.208 | 26.72 |
| Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 74.59173rd of 181 · position · derived | 14.89178th of 181 · position · derived |
| Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end | 4.34 | 6.011 |
| Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end | 1.584 | 1.503 |
| Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end | 0 | 0 |
| Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end | 81.5645th of 171 · position · derived | 51.18102nd of 171 · position · derived |
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: Operating Coal Power Capacity
Gender & Equality
Saudi Arabia:167thUnited Arab Emirates:143rdof 183
Saudi Arabia on Gender & Equality →United Arab Emirates on Gender & Equality →
Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from
Firms with a Female Top Manager
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.
1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9
Saudi Arabia: 1.762025
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Social Institutions and Gender Index
OECD · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.
6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4
Saudi Arabia: 59.2
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Women, Business and the Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.
3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100
Saudi Arabia: 73.75
United Arab Emirates: 73.75
Women's Political Empowerment Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.
0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954
Saudi Arabia: 0.347
United Arab Emirates: 0.614
| Also measured · 2 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 26.62017 | 25.32005too old to compare |
| Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 105.1 | 104.6 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Account Ownership Among Women · Female-Headed Households · Firms with Female Participation in Ownership
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: Global Gender Parity Index · Legal Guarantees of Women's Equal Rights to Land · Women's Empowerment Index
Democracy & Civil Liberties
Saudi Arabia:163rdUnited Arab Emirates:148thof 198
Saudi Arabia on Democracy & Civil Liberties →United Arab Emirates on Democracy & Civil Liberties →
Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from
Civic Space Ratings
CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.
2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100
Saudi Arabia: 4.69
United Arab Emirates: 9
Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index
EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.
12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Rule of Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.
-2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012
Saudi Arabia: 0.274
United Arab Emirates: 0.543
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.
0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913
Saudi Arabia: 0.016
United Arab Emirates: 0.104
| Also measured · 15 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.072154th of 176 · position · derived | 0.082150th of 176 · position · derived |
| Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.113154th of 176 · position · derived | 0.124147th of 176 · position · derived |
| Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.45376th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.41188th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.092161st of 176 · position · derived | 0.063165th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.109165th of 176 · position · derived | -0.014134th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.388166th of 172 · position · derived | -1.123145th of 172 · position · derived |
| Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.724169th of 176 · position · derived | -0.06135th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.316147th of 176 · position · derived | -1.693152nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.062154th of 176 · position · derived | -0.455103rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.444159th of 176 · position · derived | -0.724135th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.188147th of 176 · position · derived | -2.075165th of 176 · position · derived |
| Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end | -3.057 | -3.068 |
| Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0.125 |
| Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.026175th of 176 · position · derived | 0.031174th of 176 · position · derived |
| Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | -1.695159th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst | -1.457151st of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Peace & Security
Saudi Arabia:123rdUnited Arab Emirates:joint 34thof 177
Saudi Arabia on Peace & Security →United Arab Emirates on Peace & Security →
Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from
Global Militarisation Index
BICC · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.
3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09
Saudi Arabia: 209.799th of 149 · rank
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Physical Violence Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.
0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989
Saudi Arabia: 0.264
United Arab Emirates: 0.633
Political Stability and Absence of Violence
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.
-2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563
Saudi Arabia: 0.017
United Arab Emirates: 0.826
Political Violence by Non-State Actors
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.
-3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375
Saudi Arabia: -1.637
United Arab Emirates: -3.134
| Also measured · 7 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · Lower is better | 0.76 | 0.66 |
| Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end | 8.6 | 2.2 |
| Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 552nd of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 5 | 0 |
| Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 2,368 | 252 |
Risk & Resilience
Saudi Arabia:83rdUnited Arab Emirates:75thof 193
Saudi Arabia on Risk & Resilience →United Arab Emirates on Risk & Resilience →
Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from
Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.
16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69
Saudi Arabia: 79.332024
United Arab Emirates: 58.862021
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.
0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655
Saudi Arabia: 0.471113th of 190 · rank
United Arab Emirates: 0.41669th of 190 · rank
INFORM Risk Index
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.
0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5
Saudi Arabia: 2.7
United Arab Emirates: 2.3
World Risk Index
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.
0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56
Saudi Arabia: 9.67
United Arab Emirates: 5.97
| Also measured · 3 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 3,907 | 6,257 |
| Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 448 | 1,377 |
| Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 0.941137th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 3.41245th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe Weather · Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme Weather · Per Capita Food Supply Variability · Stateless Persons by Country of Residence
Measured for United Arab Emirates only: World Risk Poll Resilience Index
Mobility & Trade
Saudi Arabia:40thUnited Arab Emirates:14thof 177
Saudi Arabia on Mobility & Trade →United Arab Emirates on Mobility & Trade →
Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from
Container Import Dwell Time
World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.
1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6
Saudi Arabia: 3.3
United Arab Emirates: 4.2
ICT Goods Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45
Saudi Arabia: 2.25
United Arab Emirates: 8.29
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.
4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313
Saudi Arabia: 237.4625th of 177 · rank
United Arab Emirates: 319.5515th of 177 · rank
Logistics Performance Index
World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.
1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3
Saudi Arabia: 3.438th of 139 · rank
United Arab Emirates: 47th of 139 · rank
| Also measured · 5 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end | 89.3 | 100 |
| EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 236,699 | 166,074 |
| International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 13,683,841 | 8,157,000 |
| International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 40.29 | 73.97 |
| Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 9.791 | 28.19 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs · Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness Index · FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness Index
Food & Agriculture
Saudi Arabia:joint 86thUnited Arab Emirates:joint 37thof 184
Saudi Arabia on Food & Agriculture →United Arab Emirates on Food & Agriculture →
Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from
Agriculture Orientation Index
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38
Saudi Arabia: 0.19
United Arab Emirates: 1.22
Cereal Yield
FAO · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.
23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147
Saudi Arabia: 5,122
United Arab Emirates: 23,307
Dietary Energy Supply
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.
1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962
Saudi Arabia: 3,646
United Arab Emirates: no reading in this edition
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.
1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57
Saudi Arabia: 2.17
United Arab Emirates: 2.67
Poverty & Inequality
Saudi Arabia:no standingUnited Arab Emirates:joint 3rdof 159
United Arab Emirates on Poverty & Inequality →
Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from
Gini Index
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.
23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: 26.42018
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: 02018
Share of Population Unable to Afford a Healthy Diet
FAO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.
0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9
Saudi Arabia: no reading in this edition
United Arab Emirates: 1.9
Money & Public Finance
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Firms Using Banks to Finance Investment · Made or Received a Digital Payment · Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile Money · Share of Firms' Payments Made Electronically
Energy
Saudi Arabia:no standingUnited Arab Emirates:no standing
| Measured · 7 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end | 9,556 | 3,771 |
| Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 123.39 | 59.41 |
| Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end | 5.159 | 5.004 |
| Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end | 336.39 | 455.11 |
| Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 26.95 | 11.8 |
| RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 69.75 | 70.74 |
| RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 23.17 | 53.89 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major Constraint · Firms Owning or Sharing a Generator
Digital & Technology
Saudi Arabia:45thUnited Arab Emirates:26thof 198
Saudi Arabia on Digital & Technology →United Arab Emirates on Digital & Technology →
Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.
0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15
Saudi Arabia: 7.429
United Arab Emirates: 27.7
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.
12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36
Saudi Arabia: 71.5715th of 195 · rank
United Arab Emirates: 69.8619th of 195 · rank
Government Cyber Security Capacity
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.
-2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715
Saudi Arabia: 1.76
United Arab Emirates: 1.897
GovTech Maturity Index
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.
0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997
Saudi Arabia: 0.996
United Arab Emirates: 0.918
| Also measured · 5 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better | 31.4 | 73.3 |
| Anthropic AI Usage IndexAnthropic · 2026 · No better end | 0.93 | 2.84 |
| GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 988,061 | 656,185 |
| GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end | 734,532 | 707,998 |
| GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 1,229,146 | 1,298,564 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: Firms Experiencing Internet Disruptions · Firms with Their Own Website · Internet Use Among Adults · Mobile Phone Ownership · Smartphone Ownership
People & Population
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 14 | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 16.41 | 9.774 |
| Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.34 | 0.932 |
| Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end | 0.224 | 0.684 |
| Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 30.14 | 31.9 |
| Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 29.25 | 31.23 |
| Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.82 | 1.696 |
| Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 15.47 | 149.84 |
| Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.387 | 3.704 |
| Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 66.97 | 74.85 |
| Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 24.1 | 16.34 |
| Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 154.16 | 177.87 |
| Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 36.83 | 22 |
| Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 2.28 | 1.2 |
| Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 84.61 | 85.96 |
Measured for Saudi Arabia only: One-Person Households
04Over time
How the two have moved
Saudi Arabia solid, United Arab Emirates dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.
GDP per person
international $, PPP · World Bank Group
- Saudi Arabia, 2025
- 63,051
- United Arab Emirates, 2024
- 69,702
United Arab Emirates’s GDP per person was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2024.
Life expectancy at birth
years at birth · UN DESA Population Division
- Saudi Arabia, 2023
- 78.73
- United Arab Emirates, 2023
- 82.91
United Arab Emirates’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Population
people · UN DESA Population Division
- Saudi Arabia, 2023
- 33,264,292
- United Arab Emirates, 2023
- 10,642,081
Saudi Arabia’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Human Development Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Saudi Arabia, 2023
- 37th of 193
- United Arab Emirates, 2023
- 15th of 193
Corruption Perceptions Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International
- Saudi Arabia, 2025
- 45th of 181
- United Arab Emirates, 2025
- 21st of 181
Gender Inequality Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Saudi Arabia, 2023
- 61st of 172
- United Arab Emirates, 2023
- 13th of 172
Global Innovation Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · World Intellectual Property Organization
- Saudi Arabia, 2025
- 46th of 139
- United Arab Emirates, 2025
- 30th of 139
Economic Complexity Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University
- Saudi Arabia, 2024
- 48th of 145
- United Arab Emirates, 2024
- 53rd of 145
Government AI Readiness Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights
- Saudi Arabia, 2025
- 15th of 195
- United Arab Emirates, 2025
- 19th of 195
05Recorded facts
The two countries
| Fact | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Riyadh | Abu Dhabi |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic |
| Currency | Saudi riyal (SAR) | United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) |
| Calling code | +966 | +971 |
| Internet domain | .sa | .ae |
| ISO codes | SA · SAU | AE · ARE |
| Where | Western Asia · Asia | Western Asia · Asia |
Share a land borderBoth in Western AsiaBoth in Asia
06Keep comparing
Compare more
Saudi Arabia compared with
United States
IranUnited Arab Emirates compared with
No other comparison of United Arab Emirates has a page yet.
07Questions
Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates: common questions
Which is bigger, Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates?
People: Saudi Arabia 33,264,292 and United Arab Emirates 10,642,081 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. Saudi Arabia has 3.1 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: Saudi Arabia 2,149,690 and United Arab Emirates 71,020 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Saudi Arabia’s is 30 times as large.
Which has the higher GDP per person, Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: Saudi Arabia 63,051 (2025) and United Arab Emirates 69,702 (2024), according to World Bank Group.
Where are Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates placed in the Country Index 2026?
Saudi Arabia is placed joint 78th of 183, and United Arab Emirates is placed 39th of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.
Do Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates share a border?
Yes: the two share a land border, as the Natural Earth outlines draw it — borders as they are held on the ground. Both are in Western Asia.
How many statistics compare Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates?
249 statistics from 51 publishers measure both. 72 more measure only Saudi Arabia, and 23 only United Arab Emirates; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.
Why do some rows give two different years?
For 6 of the 249 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.
08Method
Sources and how to read them
Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.
Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.
The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.
The 51 publishers behind the shared statistics
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Anthropic · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Energy Monitor · Global Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Growth Lab at Harvard University · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD · Open Data Watch · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Wellcome Trust · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · World Energy Council · World Intellectual Property Organization · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/saudi-arabia-vs-united-arab-emirates