Compare countries · Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia(Asia)·
United Arab Emirates(Asia)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Saudi Arabia leads on 2, United Arab Emirates on 10, 1 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Saudi Arabia
43.9
Worse than 56% of countries
United Arab Emirates
55.2
Worse than 78% of countries
Saudi Arabia: 20% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Saudi Arabia
13.5
Around the global middle
United Arab Emirates
39.6
Worse than 94% of countries
Saudi Arabia: 66% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Saudi Arabia
2.34
Worse than 78% of countries
United Arab Emirates
1.97
Around the global middle
United Arab Emirates: more peaceful (1.97 vs 2.34).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Saudi Arabia
76.7
Better than 91% of countries
United Arab Emirates
86.0
Better than 99% of countries
United Arab Emirates: higher perceived safety (86.0 vs 76.7).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Saudi Arabia
0.875
Better than 79% of countries
United Arab Emirates
0.937
Better than 92% of countries
United Arab Emirates: higher human development (0.937 vs 0.875).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025 / 2024
Saudi Arabia
$73,784
Better than 89% of countries
United Arab Emirates
$79,344
Better than 93% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 8% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Saudi Arabia
79.0 yrs
Better than 76% of countries
United Arab Emirates
83.1 yrs
Better than 91% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 4.1 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Saudi Arabia
62.2
Worse than 56% of countries
United Arab Emirates
70.8
Better than 71% of countries
United Arab Emirates: better-rated healthcare (70.8 vs 62.2).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Saudi Arabia
164 Mbps
Better than 71% of countries
United Arab Emirates
398 Mbps
Better than 99% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 143% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Saudi Arabia
19/100
Worse than 98% of countries
United Arab Emirates
31/100
Worse than 87% of countries
United Arab Emirates: freer press (31 vs 19 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Saudi Arabia
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
United Arab Emirates
6.82
Better than 86% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Saudi Arabia
404
Worse than 93% of countries
United Arab Emirates
487
Worse than 63% of countries
United Arab Emirates: stronger English proficiency (487 vs 404).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Saudi Arabia
38.6
Worse than 95% of countries
United Arab Emirates
43.4
Worse than 94% of countries
United Arab Emirates: more pleasant climate rating (43.4 vs 38.6).
Deciding between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates for real?
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Find your match →Full Saudi Arabia profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United Arab Emirates profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.