Press Freedom Index in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates: Press Freedom Index was 43.13 in 2021. ▲ Rising
Press Freedom Index in United Arab Emirates, 2013–2021
Source: Reporters sans Frontieres (2022) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for press freedom index in United Arab Emirates is 43.13, measured in 2021.
That represents a change of up 1.0% on the previous year and up 28.8% over ten years.
Over the whole period, press freedom index in United Arab Emirates peaked at 43.63 in 2019 and was at its lowest, 33.49, in 2013.
That places United Arab Emirates 50th out of 177 countries with data for 2021, putting it in the middle of the range.
Press Freedom Index in United Arab Emirates, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 33.49 | — |
| 2014 | 36.03 | +7.6% |
| 2015 | 36.73 | +1.9% |
| 2016 | 36.73 | +0.0% |
| 2017 | 39.39 | +7.2% |
| 2018 | 40.86 | +3.7% |
| 2019 | 43.63 | +6.8% |
| 2020 | 42.69 | -2.2% |
| 2021 | 43.13 | +1.0% |
United Arab Emirates compared with similar countries
- United Arab Emirates's 43.13 is above the median for high income countries, which is 23.1, 1.9× the median. (57 countries reporting)
- United Arab Emirates's 43.13 is below the median for Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, which is 43.94, 98% of the median. (23 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 38.12 | 33.49 | 43.63 | 7 |
| 2020s | 42.91 | 42.69 | 43.13 | 2 |
Countries ranked near United Arab Emirates
More social development data for United Arab Emirates
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 1,377 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 252 (2025)
- Political Rights Rating 7 (2025)
- Electoral democracy 0 (2025)
- Political rights rating fh, annual growth rate 0 % change on previous year (2025)
- Political rights rating fh, gaps filled 7 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 252 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0001 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per US$ of GDP (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is press freedom index in United Arab Emirates?
- Press freedom index in United Arab Emirates was 43.13 in 2021, according to Reporters sans Frontieres (2022) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest press freedom index recorded in United Arab Emirates?
- The highest recorded value was 43.63 in 2019.
- What is the lowest press freedom index recorded in United Arab Emirates?
- The lowest recorded value was 33.49 in 2013.
- How does United Arab Emirates rank for press freedom index?
- United Arab Emirates ranks 50th out of 177 countries with data for 2021.
- Is press freedom index rising or falling in United Arab Emirates?
- Over the last ten years it is up 28.8%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this United Arab Emirates data come from?
- The figures come from Reporters sans Frontieres (2022) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Press Freedom Index. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
The index combines expert estimates with data on violence against journalists. It ranges from 0-100 (no freedom).