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Trust remains strong in UAE Government, new data shows

Dubai - The UAE's forward-thinking leadership throughout the Covid-19 pandemic helped to keep residents safe and the economy on the right track, experts said

The UAE has strengthened its position as one of the most trusted governments in the world, especially in light of the role that it has played in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, new data has shown.

According to the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, the UAE Government secured a four-point increase since last year to reach 80 per cent on the annual survey, becoming one of the most trusted governments in the world, behind only Saudi Arabia and China – both at 82 per cent.

The results of the survey showed that the ‘Government’ ranked the highest in competence and ethics, and was the only societal leader to gain trust since last year, with more than seven in 10 respondents saying they trust government leaders to do what is right, while all other societal leaders have fallen behind. In addition, ‘Scientists’ remain the most trusted, at 79 per cent, but they have also seen a four-point decrease in trust. The UAE Government was followed by ‘Business’ which scored a 67 per cent trust rating, which was followed by ‘NGO’s at 65 per cent.

“Accelerated fears due to the pandemic have led to a major change in people’s priorities and a shift in expectations, with an increased sense of urgency to find solutions for critical societal problems. While the UAE population’s trust in the Government to do so has increased, 71 per cent of respondents also believe CEOs, as societal leaders, should step in; with six in 10 agreeing that they should take the lead on change,” said Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East.

The research also revealed the pandemic has added to personal and societal fears, with ‘job loss’ at 88 per cent, and ‘fear of contracting Covid-19’ at 63 per cent, emerging as the main concern for residents. Close to 75 per cent of respondents said that they witnessed layoffs or reductions in the workforce of the company they work for as a result of the pandemic, and 56 per cent worry that the pandemic will lead to increased job losses due to automation.

Another recent study also revealed that the UAE has improved its ranking as a preferred destination where foreign nationals would like to work. According to the Bayt.com and Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) ‘Decoding Global Talent, Onsite and Virtual’ report, the UAE rose six places to rank 13th globally as the most preferred place of work for foreign nationals. Experts noted that the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic is a key reason behind its enhanced global attractiveness, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi placed third and fifth respectively in the global city rankings.

“The UAE’s status as being less impacted by the pandemic than other countries is a key factor behind its heightened appeal on the world stage, with several notable cities now considered much less appealing compared to two years ago,” said Christopher Daniel, MD and partner, BCG Middle East. “Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the latest success stories in the global city ranking, solidifying their improved positions on the back of the UAE proving to be a regional safe haven in a year of crisis.”

Other experts also highlighted how several recent initiatives, such as Dubai’s 2040 plan, would only improve the country’s attractiveness in the coming years.

“Dubai’s 2040 plan to be the best city to live in the world is incredible,” said Lewis Allsopp, CEO of Allsopp & Allsopp. “Dubai is already a spectacular place to live but to have leadership who consistently plan and execute betterment is hugely encouraging. The city has come a long way in such a short amount of time and has shown such quick forward-thinking leadership throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to keep residents safe and to keep the economy on the right track. The 2040 plan is enticing for overseas property investors, entrepreneurs and for expats already residing in Dubai. The city is becoming more and more of a home for everyone and a forever home at that!”

rohma@khaleejtimes.com