Compare countries · United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates(Asia)·
United Kingdom(Europe)
Across 13 comparable indicators: United Arab Emirates leads on 5, United Kingdom on 6, 2 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)
United Arab Emirates
55.2
Worse than 78% of countries
United Kingdom
67.8
Worse than 86% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 19% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
United Arab Emirates
39.6
Worse than 94% of countries
United Kingdom
32.1
Worse than 90% of countries
United Kingdom: 19% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
United Arab Emirates
1.97
Around the global middle
United Kingdom
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
United Kingdom: more peaceful (1.67 vs 1.97).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
United Arab Emirates
86.0
Better than 99% of countries
United Kingdom
51.7
Worse than 59% of countries
United Arab Emirates: higher perceived safety (86.0 vs 51.7).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
United Arab Emirates
0.937
Better than 92% of countries
United Kingdom
0.940
Better than 93% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2024 / 2025
United Arab Emirates
$79,344
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom
$64,606
Better than 86% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 23% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
United Arab Emirates
83.1 yrs
Better than 91% of countries
United Kingdom
81.4 yrs
Better than 81% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 1.7 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
United Arab Emirates
70.8
Better than 71% of countries
United Kingdom
72.7
Better than 80% of countries
United Kingdom: better-rated healthcare (72.7 vs 70.8).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
United Arab Emirates
398 Mbps
Better than 99% of countries
United Kingdom
167 Mbps
Better than 73% of countries
United Arab Emirates: 138% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
United Arab Emirates
31/100
Worse than 87% of countries
United Kingdom
80/100
Better than 90% of countries
United Kingdom: freer press (80 vs 31 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
United Arab Emirates
6.82
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom
6.69
Better than 81% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
United Arab Emirates
487
Worse than 63% of countries
United Kingdom
700
Better than 94% of countries
United Kingdom: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 487).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
United Arab Emirates
43.4
Worse than 94% of countries
United Kingdom
87.8
Better than 69% of countries
United Kingdom: more pleasant climate rating (87.8 vs 43.4).
Deciding between United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom for real?
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Find your match →Full United Arab Emirates profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United Kingdom profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.