The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, in partnership with the World Governments Summit, has unveiled the fifth edition of the Global Economic Diversification Index 2026, positioning it as the world’s only comprehensive measure of how effectively nations are building resilient and diversified economies.
The report finds that digitalisation and the push for green transition are now defining forces reshaping global economic structures, with artificial intelligence emerging as a powerful catalyst for accelerating diversification and export efficiency.
Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said the index goes beyond measuring diversification to reveal fundamental shifts in how economies evolve. He emphasised that digitalisation has become central to building future-ready economies and highlighted the need for sustained investment in digital infrastructure and skills to ensure inclusive growth. He also pointed to the UAE’s strong performance as evidence of how strategic leadership can translate digital progress into long-term resilience.
Covering 117 countries and tracking progress over 25 years from 2000 to 2024, the EDI assesses diversification across three dimensions: output, trade, and government revenue. The data-driven tool enables governments to evaluate the impact of their policies and adapt to global disruptions.
The United States, China, and Germany continue to lead the rankings, with Western European countries dominating the top 20. India stands out as the only lower-middle-income economy within the top 30.
The report recommends a multi-dimensional diversification strategy focused on digitalisation, accelerated green energy development, regional integration, and stronger fiscal sovereignty.
Within the MENA region, diversification has improved markedly, with the UAE and Bahrain achieving higher scores among GCC countries, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman record significant gains. The UAE’s rising Trade+ scores underline its success in leveraging digital economy sectors.
Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of Policy Research at MBRSG and co-author of the report, said the EDI has become a globally recognised policy tool, now officially used by international organisations and governments to guide national diversification efforts.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
