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.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
Stats at a glance:
Cost: 1.05 billion pounds (Dh 4.8 billion)
Number in service: 6
Complement 191 (space for up to 285)
Top speed: over 32 knots
Range: Over 7,000 nautical miles
Length 152.4 m
Displacement: 8,700 tonnes
Beam: 21.2 m
Draught: 7.4 m
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Five films to watch
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Pom Poki (1994)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
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Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
- It’s So Easy
- Mr Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- Shadow of Your Love
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
- November Rain
- Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
- Nightrain
Encore:
- Patience
- Don’t Cry
- The Seeker (The Who cover)
- Paradise City
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
RESULT
Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg
Real Madrid 0
Barcelona 3 (Suarez (50', 73' pen), Varane (69' OG)
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
The years Ramadan fell in May
Key developments in maritime dispute
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs
Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
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Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
MATCH INFO
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
'The Ice Road'
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Liam Neeson, Amber Midthunder, Laurence Fishburne
2/5
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Abu Dhabi card
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,400m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 2,200m
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
The National selections:
5pm: Valcartier
5.30pm: AF Taraha
6pm: Dhafra
6.30pm: Maqam
7pm: AF Mekhbat
7.30pm: Ezz Al Rawasi
The specs
BMW M8 Competition Coupe
Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Power 625hp at 6,000rpm
Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm
Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto
Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec
Top speed 305kph
Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km
Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)
On sale Jan/Feb 2020
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Fernando Jara (jockey), Irfan Ellahi (trainer).
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,400m
Winner: Yaalail, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 1,600m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Fernando Jara, Helal Al Alawi.
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2.200m
Winner: Ezz Al Rawasi, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
