United Arab Emirates Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
United Arab Emirates's literacy rate was 98.74% in 2025, ranked 10th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's literacy rate stood at 98.74% in 2025, a decline of +0.07pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.74% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 10th globally.
The United Arab Emirates has achieved a literacy rate of 98.74% in 2025, ranking 10th globally, reflecting decades of sustained investment in education since the nation’s early development phase. This marks a dramatic improvement from the historical low of 53.51% recorded in 1975, the earliest available data point, indicating a near-doubling of literacy over 50 years. The all-time peak of 98.81% was reached in 2024, demonstrating the country’s proximity to universal literacy. The UAE’s performance now closely aligns with peer nations such as Mongolia (98.82%) and Uruguay (98.91%), all of which occupy the upper echelon of global literacy rankings. With a data coverage span of nine years, the trend reveals consistent progress and systemic effectiveness in education delivery. Given the current trajectory, further gains will likely be marginal, as the country approaches the limits of near-total literacy. Sustaining this level will depend on inclusive access for migrant populations and continued quality improvements in education infrastructure and instruction.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 99.07% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 98.90% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.74% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.74% | −0.07pp | #10 |
| 2024 | 98.81% | +0.75pp | #3 |
| 2023 | 98.06% | −0.23pp | #6 |
| 2022 | 98.29% | +0.16pp | #10 |
| 2021 | 98.13% | +0.35pp | #7 |
| 2019 | 97.78% | +7.75pp | #12 |
| 2005 | 90.03% | +18.79pp | #8 |
| 1985 | 71.24% | +17.73pp | #6 |
| 1975 | 53.51% | – | #4 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's literacy rate was 98.74% in 2025. Ranked 10th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's literacy rate peaked at 98.81% in 2024.
The lowest literacy rate in United Arab Emirates was 53.51% in 1975.
United Arab Emirates ranks 10th globally in literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's literacy rate is projected to reach 98.74% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The literacy rate of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 98.74%. This ranks 10th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_literacy-rate,
title = {United Arab Emirates Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}