The UAE has secured 14th place among 82 countries in the ranking of the world's best countries for migration in 2026.

This ranking was prepared as part of the Remitly Migration Index, a global study that evaluates countries based on 34 criteria, ranging from potential income and healthcare to safety, education, and cost of living.

For those already living in the UAE, this result is likely not surprising. However, a closer look at the data reveals that in addition to being among the top 15 countries, the UAE ranks first in the world in one specific indicator.

World's Largest Expatriate Community

The UAE continues to have the world's most concentrated expatriate population, with foreign-born individuals making up 88 percent of its population.

According to the research, this situation is the result of decades of labor migration coinciding with rapid economic growth, particularly in the construction, finance, technology, and hospitality sectors. Government policies aimed at attracting international talent have also supported this trend.

One of the most recent examples is the Dubai Invite initiative, launched in July, which offers residents benefits worth more than 3,000 dirhams for inviting friends and family members to visit Dubai.

In practice, the 88 percent share of expatriates means one simple thing for newcomers: regardless of which country you migrate from, there is likely an established community of your compatriots in the country, along with the support networks, cultural ties, and sense of belonging that such a community provides.

Among the Top 10 Countries for Families

The UAE also featured in the list of the top 10 family-friendly countries in the study.

This section examined criteria such as the quality of education, childcare costs, maternity and paternity leave, and access to international schools.

The UAE scored particularly high in the diversity and accessibility of international schools and competitive parental benefits, which are crucial factors for families planning to move to the country with school-aged children.

Top 15 Countries in the World for Migration in 2026

1. Switzerland

2. Iceland

3. Luxembourg

4. Australia

5. Germany

6. Ireland

7. USA

8. Denmark

9. Norway

10. Spain

11. Netherlands

12. France

13. Sweden

14. United Arab Emirates

15. United Kingdom

Switzerland topped this year's ranking, rising from second place in 2025, due to high scores in potential income, healthcare, and safety.

Ranking 14th, the UAE placed higher than the United Kingdom and is the only country outside of Europe, North America, and Australia to make it into the top 15.

With the world's largest expatriate community, family-friendly conditions, and further development programs, choosing the UAE as a place to live in 2026 appears to be a significant decision. For those considering migration to the country, the statistics support this choice.