UAE Secures Top Spot in the Gulf for Property Rights

The UAE has once again been recognised as one of the most open and business-friendly economies in the region. In the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report, the country placed 46th out of 165 jurisdictions, earning an overall score of 7.42 out of 10.

That result makes the UAE the second most economically free economy in both the Arab world and the Gulf - and the regional leader in two of the areas that matter most to investors.

Where the UAE Stands in the Region

Bahrain holds the top regional spot at 40th globally, with a score of 7.49. The UAE follows closely in 46th, ahead of Jordan in 50th (7.38) and Saudi Arabia in 60th (7.17).

The report draws on 2024 data and measures economic freedom across five core areas: size of government, legal systems and property rights, sound money, freedom to trade internationally, and regulation.

Leading the Gulf in Two Key Areas

Legal systems and property rights
The UAE scored 7.08 and ranked 30th in the world, the best result of any GCC country. Saudi Arabia, in comparison, ranked 47th. Strong property rights and a reliable legal framework are among the clearest signals of a stable environment for owning assets.

Freedom to trade internationally
With a score of 8.62, the UAE ranked 33rd globally and came out ahead of Qatar and the rest of the Gulf. This reflects the country’s role as a global trade and logistics hub, linking markets across Asia, Europe and Africa.

Other highlights

• Regulation: 29th globally, with a score of 7.23
• Sound money: 76th globally, with a score of 8.47

The Global Picture

Hong Kong remains the world’s freest economy with a score of 8.53, although its score has dropped noticeably since 2018. Switzerland (8.45), Singapore (8.43), New Zealand (8.38) and the United States (8.21) complete the top five. Ireland, Denmark, Australia and Mauritius follow, with Finland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom sharing 10th place.

Among other major economies, Japan ranks 13th, Canada has fallen from 9th to 18th, Germany sits 19th and France 39th. Further down the list are India in 88th, China in 110th and Russia in 143rd. Venezuela ranks last.

Globally, economic freedom has still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. According to the report, many governments responded to the pandemic with heavier regulation, higher trade barriers, increased spending and taxes, and expanded money supply.

Some of these measures are now being reversed, but four of the five areas still scored lower in 2024 than in 2019. Only freedom to trade internationally has recovered.

Why Economic Freedom Matters

The report highlights a strong link between economic freedom and prosperity. In the freest quarter of countries, average incomes are almost seven times higher than in the least free quarter.

Even the poorest 10% of people in the freest economies earn more than seven times as much, live around 14 years longer and work roughly six fewer hours per week.

The authors note that the index focuses on economic freedom specifically, and does not measure overall living standards or personal freedoms.

What It Means for Investors and Residents in Dubai

For anyone considering a move to Dubai or an investment in UAE property, these results reinforce what many already see on the ground:

• Secure ownership. Leading the Gulf in property rights gives buyers and investors added confidence in the safety of their assets.
• A global gateway. Open trade policies continue to attract international companies, talent and capital, which in turn supports housing demand.
• A competitive business environment. A top-30 global ranking for regulation reflects how easy it is to set up and run a business in the UAE.

As global economic freedom remains below its pre-pandemic peak, the UAE’s steady position stands out. For residents, entrepreneurs and investors alike, it is one more reason the country continues to rank among the world’s most attractive places to live, work and invest.

Whether you’re looking to set up a business in the UAE, or secure your UAE Golden Visa, DXB VIP is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with our team to turn the UAE’s strong economic foundations into real opportunities for you and your family.