Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Edelman Confidence Index for the year 2022 revealed a continuous increase in confidence in the leadership of the UAE, with the country generally ranking second in terms of confidence in the world, at a rate of 76%, slightly lower than China, which recorded an average of 83%.

Once again, the UAE government stands out as the institution with the highest levels of confidence at 87%, which represents an increase in the confidence rate by seven points over 2021 and enhances the position of the UAE government as one of the most trustworthy governments in the world.

The UAE government has been classified as a solid unifying force, which is seen as a highly active player in taking a leading role in solving societal problems, and in the successful implementation of fruitful plans and strategies.

The Edelman report also highlights companies as a trusted entity, as they witnessed a twofold increase in confidence from 2021 levels, from an average of 67% to 78% as a second enterprise in the volume of trust.

The report expects companies and their CEOs to play a leading role in meeting challenges that go beyond achieving their business goals.

Companies in the UAE have an expansive mission, with survey respondents looking toward the leading role of CEOs as pioneers in solving problems of job security, technology, automation, sustainability and equal pay.

The year 2022 witnessed an increase in Trust in all four institutions rise in the UAE — the government, companies, NGOs and the media — which indicates a high level of economic optimism in the country, an increase of six points compared to 2021.

In contrast to the decline in optimism in Western democracies about World, 78% of respondents from the UAE confirmed that they will be in a better situation with their families within five years, which is evidence of the government and companies' cooperation in working together to solve societal concerns and achieve tangible progress in trust rates.

Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East, said, “The rate of trust in the UAE government has increased significantly compared to last year, in a way that is different from what is currently prevalent in the world, after last year witnessed a state of uncertainty at the level Global issues such as climate change and rising commodity prices. We are now witnessing an increase in economic optimism in the UAE, and people are confident that they will be in a better position within five years.”

He added: “Thanks to the collaboration between the public and private sectors and clear leadership, trust in both the government and businesses has risen. This cooperation will provide an opportunity to focus on tangible goals, enabling all institutions to maintain and even enhance trust in 2022, as leaders seek to take real actions aimed at meeting societal needs.”

Findings for the 22nd edition of the Edelman Confidence Index for 2022 are based on a research study conducted by the data and analysis consultancy Edelman. This year, it included more than 36,000 participants in 28 countries.

Other key findings from the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer: UAE, include:

• Employer communications are among the most believable source of information, along with the National Government
• My employer is trusted around the world (85 per cent) and grew + 10 points over last year
• CEOs are expected to be the face of change, where 85 per cent believe that CEOs should be personally visible when discussing public policy with external stakeholders
• 81 per cent see CEOs as a trusted societal leader – a double digital increase compared to 2021
• 68 per cent of respondents want CEOs to speak publicly about controversial social and political issues that they care about
• 72 per cent worry about false information or fake news, reaching an all-time high
• 45 per cent of respondents tend to distrust until they see evidence of something trustworthy
• Information quality is the most powerful trust builder across Government, Business, NGOs and Media