United Arab Emirates Youth Literacy Rate

The United Arab Emirates’ youth literacy rate has risen dramatically from 63.05 % in 1975 to a record 100.09 % in 2025, positioning the nation eighth globally according to World Bank data. This progression reflects sustained investment in primary and secondary education, extensive school construction, and the adoption of bilingual curricula that have expanded access for both Emirati nationals and expatriate children. The 2025 figure not only marks the all‑time peak but also exceeds the literacy rates of most peers, trailing only Saudi Arabia’s 100.61 % and Mongolia’s 100.15 % while marginally surpassing Uzbekistan’s 100.00 % and Oman’s 99.96 %. The nine‑year coverage window captures the acceleration of reforms that began in the late 1990s, culminating in universal enrollment and near‑perfect literacy among youths aged 15‑24. Continued emphasis on digital learning platforms and teacher professional development is likely to preserve the high level, though demographic shifts or policy changes could modestly alter the upward trajectory.