The 2025 edition of the annual Edelman Trust Barometer report for the UAE, published today, reaffirms the Emirates’ position as a global role model in building and maintaining public trust and optimism. According to the report’s findings, 82 per cent of respondents in the UAE trust the country’s government – the third-highest figure among the 28 countries surveyed.
Edelman has been measuring trust for 25 years and began tracking the metric in the UAE in 2010. Public trust around the world has been under considerable pressure over the past two decades, evidenced by a string of events. These include anti-globalisation protests during the World Trade Organisation summit in 1999 in Seattle; the financial crisis in 2008, which some institutions are still recovering from; a shift in many countries towards populism from 2016, which saw growing inequality in trust between income groups and a decline in trust in the media; and an ongoing rise in disinformation on the internet.
Trust defines an organisation’s scope to operate, lead and succeed. It is the foundation that allows an organisation to take responsible risks and rebound from mistakes. Without trust, credibility is lost, and reputation can be threatened.
The data tells a compelling success story for the UAE: the level of trust has remained consistently high for over a decade. This stands in stark contrast to much of the rest of the world, which continues to grapple with a global trust crisis.
So, why is this happening, and how is the UAE bucking the trend so effectively?
Globally, 69 per cent of people fear that governments are purposely misleading them by saying things they know are false, while 68 per cent feel the same about business leaders and 70 per cent about journalists. Since 2021, there have been double-digit increases across all of these fears.
Two thirds of people surveyed around the world believe the rich take more than their fair share, raising concerns over taxation and suspicions about the ultra-wealthy being the root cause of problems. This is compounded by a large class divide – with a 13-point gap globally between high-income earners and low-income earners’ average trust in institutions.
One could interpret this to mean that in many places the social contract is breaking down, driven by economic inequality, misinformation and a growing belief that the system has become malign. There is a battle for truth, as people don’t know where to turn for reliable information. Globally, 63 per cent say it has become harder to tell credible news from deception.
The erosion of trust has led to widespread global pessimism. A lack of trust could have far-reaching effects, impacting the ability to deliver real change on things that matter – such as popular support for particular policies or the willingness to embrace new technologies like artificial intelligence.
Only 36 per cent of people globally believe the next generation will be better off than the current one, with the number falling to 14 per cent in developed countries like Germany and Japan – even as low as 9 per cent in France.
A lack of trust could have far-reaching effects, impacting the ability to deliver real change on things that matter
But the UAE presents a different picture: compare its 82 per cent trust in government to an average of 52 per cent globally. The UAE government has maintained a strong social contract by delivering on its commitments – particularly in using national resources to diversify the economy and improve residents’ lives. Levels of trust in UAE businesses is high as well, at 76 per cent, as in general they are seen as both competent and ethical. There is a real opportunity for business as all industry sectors remain trusted, with particularly high levels in the aviation, education and technology sectors.
Beyond government and business, trust in professionals and societal influencers remains strong in the UAE. This is especially evident in people’s close social circles, where teachers and associates (such as friends or neighbours) enjoy high levels of trust – at 85 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively.
Optimism is very closely linked with trust. Consequently, the level of optimism is significantly higher in the UAE than in most countries. Sixty per cent of UAE residents believe that, compared to today, the next generation will be better off, versus just 36 per cent globally.
People in the Emirates also retain their belief in international co-operation – it is one of only seven countries where the population has a high level of trust in both the UN (67 per cent) and the EU (66 per cent). The UAE even bucks the trend when it comes to trusting companies headquartered in foreign countries.
However, while trust remains robust, when prompted people expressed concerns about various global trends. Sixty-eight per cent of employees in the UAE worry about international conflicts, trade policies and tariffs hurting their company. Additionally, while 67 per cent of people in the UAE trust AI, employees in the country are concerned about being fully prepared for the technological change it will bring, with 64 per cent fearing they will lack the training necessary to get well-paying jobs. Investment in training is, therefore, essential.
Despite these challenges, the Emirates continues to offer a blueprint for the world.
The UAE has demonstrated that when institutions act with integrity and competence, trust flourishes. And where trust thrives, optimism overcomes uncertainty, paving the way for a brighter future – one that everyone can believe in.
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
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If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
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THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
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Price: Dh146,999
Overview
What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.
When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.
Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.
Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.
Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
T10 Cricket League
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
December 14- 17
6pm, Opening ceremony, followed by:
Bengal Tigers v Kerala Kings
Maratha Arabians v Pakhtoons
Tickets available online at q-tickets.com/t10
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
'Brazen'
Director: Monika Mitchell
Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The specs: Macan Turbo
Engine: Dual synchronous electric motors
Power: 639hp
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Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Touring range: 591km
Price: From Dh412,500
On sale: Deliveries start in October
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
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Price: From Dh439,000
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
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WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
Results
1. Mathieu van der Poel (NED) Alpecin-Fenix - 3:45:47
2. David Dekker (NED) Jumbo-Visma - same time
3. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
4. Emils Liepins (LAT) Trek-Segafredo
5. Elia Viviani (ITA) Cofidis
6. Tadej Pogacar (SLO UAE Team Emirates
7. Anthony Roux (FRA) Groupama-FDJ
8. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:00:03
9. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep
10. Fausto Masnada (ITA) Deceuninck-QuickStep
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
