Average IQ in UAE: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
86
Global Ranking
#112
out of ~199 countries
Region
Middle East
Important note: National average IQ scores are estimates based on limited sample sizes and vary across studies. These figures are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and testing conditions. They do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual from that country. IQ scores measure specific cognitive skills and should be interpreted within their proper scientific context.
Education System in UAE
The UAE has invested heavily in education as part of its Vision 2021 and beyond, importing international curricula and establishing branches of top global universities. The country spends significantly on education infrastructure and teacher recruitment. A large expatriate population means the education system serves students from dozens of nationalities. Emirati students attend separate government-funded schools, while expatriates typically attend private international schools.
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
UAE Compared to Middle East
Here is how UAE compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 86 | #112 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| Iran | 84 | #131 |
| Saudi Arabia | 84 | #133 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to UAE:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 87 | #105 | South America |
| Mexico | 87 | #106 | North America |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 | Southeast Asia |
Understanding IQ Distribution
It's crucial to remember that national averages represent the middle of a wide distribution. Within every country, individual IQ scores span the full range from below 70 to above 130 and beyond. A country with an average IQ of 86 will have many individuals scoring well above and below that number. Factors like socioeconomic status, nutrition, education quality, and access to healthcare play significant roles in cognitive development and test performance.
The Flynn Effect — the observation that IQ scores have risen substantially over time in many countries — suggests that environmental improvements like better nutrition, healthcare, and education access can significantly impact cognitive test performance at the population level. Many developing nations are experiencing rapid improvements in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in the UAE?
The UAE's average IQ is estimated at 86, ranking #112 globally. The country's massive education investments are expected to improve this figure as younger generations benefit from reformed schools.
How is the UAE transforming its education system?
The UAE has established branches of NYU, Sorbonne, and other elite universities, introduced STEM-focused curricula, invested in teacher training, and created scholarship programs for study abroad. These investments represent a long-term strategy to build a knowledge-based economy.
How does the UAE compare to Saudi Arabia?
The UAE (86) scores slightly above Saudi Arabia (84). Both Gulf states are investing heavily in education reform, but the UAE's earlier start on diversification and smaller population have allowed faster implementation of new educational approaches.
Explore More Countries
See the full list of all countries on our Average IQ by Country page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.