Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Gulf Today Report

The UAE ranked 17th in Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2021.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said, “We want to send a message to everyone that the UAE continues to build bridges with all peoples ... and continues to weave positive economic and developmental relations with everyone ... and continues to embrace world cultures ... because we are not a state in the world, but a world in a state.”

Mohamed Bin Zayed shared the first picture of Mars on his official Twitter account.

According to the global index of soft power, the UAE ranked ninth in the world in terms of the world's media interest in its affairs... and the public ranked it among the top ten globally in terms of economic stability, security and safety, and its global diplomatic influence.

According to the report of the Soft Power Index that was launched at the World Summit on Soft Power 2021 and according to a poll of 77,000 people in 105 countries, the UAE ranked 17th in the world in the Soft Power Index and the first regionally in terms of impact and among the 15 best countries in the world to COVID-19 response.

A bird’s eye view of the Burj Khalifa.

Germany trumps America, claiming top spot, with Angela Merkel named the world’s most respected leader.

Last year’s winner, the US, is fastest falling nation in Index, down to 6th spot.

In contrast, New Zealand hailed as global success story in response to COVID-19 and is fastest growing in Index, climbing up to 16th Well-governed nations climb ranks in the top 20.

Japan is top performing Asian nation and second overall, up 2 spots this year.

Traditional powerhouses – UK (3rd), France (7th), China (8th), Italy (19th), Spain (22nd) and - suffer amid poor pandemic responses.