UAE has emerged as one of the most unified and trusted countries in the world, according to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer. All four institutions in the country including government, business, NGOs and media have retained significant trust levels.
The report surveyed over 30,000 respondents in 28 countries and revealed that despite global challenges such as conflict, food insecurity and climate change resulting in a polarised society, there is unshakable trust in the UAE.
The UAE is ranked as the third most trusted country in the world and all four institutions – government, business, NGOs and media saw significant trust levels,
The UAE government topped the list as the most trusted institution at 86 percent followed by business at 78 percent.
The driver of the high levels of trust, according to the report, is a reflection of the respondents believing that the government, businesses and NGOs are seen as competent and ethical.
The UAE ranked highest among economic optimism, 72 percent of respondents believe that they will benefit economically in five years’ time as compared to only 40 percent of respondents globally.
A strong trust in UAE institutions has enabled a sense of cohesion and unit in the country while other countries around the world saw weakened social fabric and entrenched polarisation driven by distrust in the government, a lack of shared identity and systematic inequality.
Omar Qirem, CEO, Edelman Middle East said, “On a global level, economic optimism continues to decline, with 24 out of 28 countries in our study recording all-time lows, and 53 percent of respondents globally saying that their countries are more divided today than in the past. Despite this cycle of distrust fuelling polarization worldwide, the UAE bucks this trend yet again emerging as a highly unified country in the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report.
“The UAE’s clear long-term social and economic policies has seen the country become one of the most popular and sought-after destinations in the world, attracting expats, businesses, and tourists, while preserving the country’s unique cultural heritage and identity,” he added.
“As trust continues to maintain high levels in the UAE, Businesses and CEO’s are expected to take a public stand on societal issues including climate change, discrimination, wealth gap, and treatment of employees. Businesses and governments together can play an integral role in delivering results that push us toward a more just, secure, and thriving society,” he further explained.
The report further revealed that all four institutions are seen as a reliable source in the UAE and that experts such as journalists, scientists and CEOs are trusted.
The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer is the firm’s 23rd annual trust and credibility survey and consisted of 30-minute interviews conducted between November 1 and November 28, 2022.
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