The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that while many societies worldwide are becoming more inward-looking, the United Arab Emirates continues to stand out for its strong social cohesion, anchored in high levels of trust in institutions, employers and leadership. Trust in the UAE remains robust even among more cautious segments of the population.
The survey found that the global move toward insularity is also shaping people’s expectations for the future. Worldwide optimism has fallen sharply, with only 32% of respondents believing the next generation will be better off than today. By contrast, the UAE reflects a more resilient and positive outlook, with 63% of residents remaining optimistic about the future prospects of the next generation.
Nidaa Lone, head of Abu Dhabi at Edelman Middle East, said the UAE’s social strength stems from sustained trust in institutions, employers and leadership, adding that this trust remains firm even among sceptical groups. In a highly diverse society, she noted, this provides a strong platform for leadership that constructively engages with differences rather than avoiding them, aligning with the country’s forward-looking vision.
Employers in the UAE are particularly well positioned to act as trust builders amid the global shift toward insularity. “My employer” ranked highest at 70% among employees, tying with government at 70% among the general population, as the most effective institutions in bridging divisions and fostering trust between groups. Employees highlighted consistent actions that support this role, with nine in 10 saying employers can build trust by promoting a shared culture, encouraging collaboration across diverse teams, and offering training in constructive dialogue.
The findings reflect continued institutional confidence in the UAE, where there has been no widespread backlash against institutions despite rising global caution toward differences. Trust in the media remains strong, and institutional leaders retain credibility. Overall trust levels are high, with 88% of employees trusting their employers, 86% of the public trusting government, 84% trusting businesses, 77% trusting NGOs and 74% trusting the media.
The index also points to rising public expectations of leadership in the UAE, with greater emphasis on CEOs leading trust-building efforts across organisations and society. While 83% of respondents believe CEOs have a responsibility to help bridge social divides, only 62% feel they are currently doing so effectively.
Respondents said strengthening trust requires leaders to engage openly with critics and sceptics, consult people from diverse backgrounds when making decisions, and model trust-building behaviours from the top. The findings underscore that trust is no longer automatic, but increasingly shaped by personal experience, placing greater responsibility on employers to strengthen cohesion and build trust within a diverse society.
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