Dubai:The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made notable progress in the 2026 Global Pension Index, advancing its standing among the assessed retirement-income systems. The country's overall score increased from 64.9 in 2025 to 70.0 in 2026, leading to an upgrade from a C+ to a B grade. The UAE also secured an A grade in both the adequacy and integrity categories, highlighting the robustness of its pension benefits and protections for insured members.
According to Wam, the Index evaluates retirement systems based on three primary pillars adequacy, sustainability, and integrity, in addition to various economic, social, and demographic factors. The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) emphasized that the Index serves as a vital international benchmark that aids in the ongoing development of the UAE's retirement-income system.
GPSSA further stated that enhancing the system's sustainability is a national priority focused on safeguarding the rights of insured members and pensioners while ensuring its longevity for future generations. Recent legislative and administrative advancements have been made in the pension system, including the enactment of Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 on Pension and Social Security. Additionally, there has been a continuous development of digital services, along with efforts to boost financial literacy and encourage early retirement planning.
Initiatives such as the Wafra programme, which fosters financial literacy, and the Balanced Step programme, providing financial guidance, are part of GPSSA's efforts to help citizens proactively prepare for their financial futures. GPSSA also offers Pension Advisory Services and digital services through its Ma'ashi platform.
The GPSSA confirmed its commitment to reviewing the Index's findings and recommendations in collaboration with relevant government entities. This review process aims to further enhance the pension and social security system, improve services, and strengthen the sustainability of pensions for both current and future generations.