In a significant milestone that underscores its long-term investment in knowledge-based development, the United Arab Emirates secured the top position among Arab nations in the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2025. The announcement came during the 10th Knowledge Summit held at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities.” The event highlighted the growing importance of knowledge economies in shaping sustainable growth across the region and the world.
UAE Tops Regional Rankings as Summit Unveils Latest Insights
During a session titled “Global Knowledge Index Launch,” the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), revealed the latest rankings for Arab countries. In this edition, the UAE maintained its leading regional position, reflecting its strong performance across innovation, education, advanced technology, and knowledge transfer indicators.
Saudi Arabia ranked second regionally, followed by Qatar in third place, signaling a consistent rise in Gulf economies prioritizing knowledge-driven development. On the global stage, Switzerland secured the number-one position, followed by Singapore and Sweden—three countries widely recognized for their advanced research ecosystems and strong educational frameworks.
Expert Perspectives Highlight the Urgency of Knowledge-Based Development
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at UNDP, emphasized that the GKI aims to bridge development gaps between nations by sharing best practices. He noted that data gaps in the education sector remain a challenge, particularly in countries that have yet to fully implement structured knowledge policies.
He explained that universal access to knowledge is essential for creating productive and socially engaged individuals. Moreover, he stressed that knowledge today spreads faster than ever due to the internet, reinforcing the importance of ensuring access for all.
Dr. Torky added that the digital era has made it imperative for governments to strengthen infrastructure and invest in broad-based education systems capable of preparing future generations for highly competitive global markets.
GKI as a Policy Roadmap for National Advancement
Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at UNDP, underscored the strategic value of the GKI as a tool for policymakers. According to him, countries increasingly rely on knowledge reports to design long-term national development plans, monitor progress, and assess competitive positioning.
He highlighted that comparisons between nations foster constructive competition and encourage governments to identify successful global practices. This, in turn, helps shape policies that can accelerate development in areas such as research, innovation, and technology adoption.
Conceição reiterated that knowledge production is inherently collaborative, generated by individuals and institutions working together. Consequently, investment in people, research centers, and innovation entities is central to building sustainable knowledge economies.
The Role of Higher Education in Shaping Knowledge Societies
Her Excellency Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education of Sierra Leone, offered an African perspective on the central role of universities in the knowledge ecosystem. She stressed that higher education institutions must strengthen their functions across research, teaching, and community service to elevate national development outcomes.
According to H.E. Wurie, universities must reclaim their role as hubs of innovation, ensuring that research is sustainable and that young innovators are empowered to contribute to national competitiveness. She emphasized that knowledge is a powerful tool for designing effective policies, yet many developing countries do not sufficiently prioritize its integration into national planning.
She called for a stronger commitment among developing nations to position knowledge at the forefront of development strategies, highlighting that neglecting this foundation undermines long-term progress.
A Regional Push Toward Knowledge Economies
The 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit reinforced the shifting priorities of countries across the Arab region: moving beyond traditional economic models and focusing instead on research, education, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems. The UAE’s continued leadership in the GKI reflects sustained investments in future-ready sectors, digital infrastructure, and human capital development.
As knowledge becomes increasingly central to global competitiveness, the new GKI rankings provide a critical benchmark for governments, institutions, and private-sector players seeking to build more resilient and sustainable societies.
