5 Most Powerful Countries in the Middle East Heading into 2024

4. United Arab Emirates

Economic Strength Rank: 4

Military Strength Rank: 7

Political Soft Power Rank: 1

Cultural Influence Rank: 1

Weighted Score: 3.70

The United Arab Emirates ranked 10th on Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2023, which makes it the most politically influential country in the Middle East. The UAE also ranks highly when it comes to cultural influence. The rise of Dubai as a financial and tourism hub has had a significant contribution in UAE’s growing soft power in world politics.

The UAE produces about 3.2 million barrels of oil every day from its vast reserves which are mainly around Abu Dhabi. The Emirati government has leveraged its economic strength to raise a strong military over the past decade. Much of its military equipment is procured from the United States and EU countries.