Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 found that the UAE continues to be a beacon of stability with high trust levels in both government and businesses.
This is according to its 25th edition, which surveyed 33,000 participants from 28 countries.
Meanwhile, many nations are facing a continued decline in trust.
Largely due to the spread of misinformation and rising living costs caused by inflation.
Trust in Global Organizations
UAE respondents also expressed high confidence in international organizations.
The report found that the UAE is among:
- 10 countries that trust the United Nations (67%).
- 8 countries that trust the European Union (66%).
UAE is on Edelman Trust Barometer List Since 2010
Since the UAE was first included in Edelman’s Trust Report in 2010, it has consistently ranked among the world’s most trusted nations.
Survey participants believe that the country’s leadership and institutions are highly competent and principled.
The latest survey results revealed that trust in the UAE government is at its highest.
As 82% of respondents expressed confidence in the country’s leadership.
This is significantly higher than the global average of 52%.
The report also highlighted strong trust in businesses within the UAE.
With 76% of respondents confident in corporate integrity and responsibility.
Globally, businesses remain the only institutional sector that retains a majority trust rating (62%).
Furthermore, 60% of UAE respondents believe that the next generation will be better off, compared to a global average of only 36%.
UAE: A Success Story in Trust
Omar Al Qarm, CEO of Edelman Middle East, attributed the UAE’s high trust ratings to several key factors, including:
- Competence and integrity in governance.
- A clear strategic vision and commitment to delivering promises.
- Transparency and access to reliable information, unlike many other countries.
He noted that since the UAE was first included in Edelman’s Trust Index in 2010, its trust levels have remained high for over a decade—a stark contrast to many other nations still struggling with a trust crisis.
Trust in Key Economic Sectors
According to Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, trust levels in all economic sectors in the UAE are remarkably high:
- 86% trust aviation, education, and technology.
- 84% trust travel and hospitality.
- 83% trust automotive, energy, and food sectors.
- 82% trust entertainment and healthcare.
- 81% trust manufacturing.
- 80% trust telecommunications.
His Excellency Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 and the accompanying International Defense Conference, stressed that this event embodies the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed… pic.twitter.com/htqIHWAZNX
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 17, 2025
Global Trust Crisis
In contrast to the UAE’s stability in trust, the Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 paints a troubling picture globally.
The report highlights a worsening trust crisis, driven by:
- Widening socio-economic divides.
- Lack of reliable information sources.
- Growing public belief that institutions do not serve their interests.
About the Edelman Trust Barometer
The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 is the 25th annual edition of this global trust survey.
Conducted by the Edelman Trust Institute, the study involved 30-minute online interviews between October 25 and November 16, 2024.
With over 33,000 participants from 28 countries.
The report examines trust levels across government, businesses, media, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Providing critical insights into public perception and institutional credibility worldwide.
