Global Knowledge Index 2025 Results Reveal Switzerland Leads Worldwide, UAE Tops Arab Region

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled the results of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2025 during a special session at the Knowledge Summit 2025. The summit gathered global experts and policymakers to explore the future of knowledge-driven development and the expanding role of innovation in shaping national progress.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized that the GKI represents a key outcome of the enduring partnership between MBRF and UNDP, reflecting a shared commitment to building a sustainable knowledge economy. He noted that the UAE's top ranking in the Arab world highlights the nation's belief in investing in people as the foundation for progress and reaffirmed MBRF's commitment to advancing the Index with international partners through their ongoing collaboration at https://www.mbrf.ae.

The global rankings revealed Switzerland leading the top 10 countries, followed by Singapore and Sweden. The remaining positions were secured by Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and Norway. These countries are distinguished by strong innovation ecosystems and advanced technological frameworks that support knowledge creation and dissemination.

Regionally, the United Arab Emirates ranked first among Arab nations, reaffirming its leadership in innovation, digital capacity, and knowledge readiness. Saudi Arabia followed in second place, supported by sustained investment in education and technology, while Qatar ranked third, demonstrating continued progress across key indicators. The GKI shows notable improvements across several Arab states, particularly in technological infrastructure and the application of modern tools in development planning.

Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at UNDP, emphasized that the GKI aims to share best practices and help countries close performance gaps. He noted that universal access to knowledge is vital for building productive societies and underlined the importance of human-centered investment for sustainable development. The UNDP's commitment to knowledge-driven development is further detailed in their global initiatives at https://www.undp.org.

The 2025 GKI reinforces the growing importance of knowledge as a cornerstone of national resilience, innovation, and long-term prosperity as the global landscape continues to evolve. The findings suggest that countries prioritizing knowledge infrastructure, education systems, and technological advancement are better positioned to navigate economic challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. MBRF and UNDP reaffirm their commitment to supporting countries worldwide in leveraging knowledge as a transformative force for sustainable development through their partnership detailed at https://www.mbrf.ae.

The implications of these rankings extend beyond national pride, serving as critical benchmarks for policymakers and development agencies. The data provides valuable insights into how investments in education, research, and technology infrastructure correlate with economic performance and social progress. For businesses and investors, the Index offers guidance on which markets demonstrate strong knowledge foundations likely to support innovation and growth in coming years.