United Arab Emirates Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
United Arab Emirates's rule of law was 0.88 in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's rule of law stood at 0.88 in 2025, a rise of +0.00 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.88 by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 43rd globally.
The United Arab Emirates’ Rule of Law score on the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators has risen from 0.69 in 1996 to a peak of 0.88 in 2025, placing the nation at 43rd in the global ranking. This upward trajectory follows a dramatic trough of 0.27 in 2007, after which reforms in the judicial sector and the introduction of specialized commercial courts appear to have accelerated improvement. Over the 26‑year coverage period, the UAE’s score now exceeds that of the Marshall Islands (0.87) and approaches the levels of the Virgin Islands (US) at 0.91, suggesting convergence with higher‑ranking peers. The sustained increase reflects ongoing legal modernization, greater transparency in dispute resolution, and stronger enforcement of contracts, which have attracted foreign investment and diversified the economy. If the current reform agenda continues and institutional capacity is further strengthened, the United Arab Emirates is likely to maintain its upward trend, potentially moving closer to the top‑tier jurisdictions in the Rule of Law index.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.89 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.88 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.88 | +0.00 | #43 |
| 2023 | 0.88 | +0.05 | #43 |
| 2022 | 0.84 | +0.04 | #43 |
| 2021 | 0.80 | −0.08 | #47 |
| 2020 | 0.88 | +0.07 | #45 |
| 2019 | 0.81 | +0.03 | #45 |
| 2018 | 0.77 | +0.01 | #46 |
| 2017 | 0.77 | −0.05 | #46 |
| 2016 | 0.82 | +0.20 | #44 |
| 2015 | 0.61 | −0.04 | #57 |
| 2014 | 0.65 | +0.04 | #50 |
| 2013 | 0.61 | +0.08 | #60 |
| 2012 | 0.53 | +0.04 | #65 |
| 2011 | 0.50 | +0.18 | #69 |
| 2010 | 0.32 | −0.08 | #75 |
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 rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's rule of law was 0.88 in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's rule of law peaked at 0.88 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in United Arab Emirates was 0.27 in 2007.
United Arab Emirates ranks 43rd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
United Arab Emirates's rule of law is projected to reach 0.88 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 0.88. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_rule-of-law,
title = {United Arab Emirates Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}