Qatar has officially been ranked the richest country in the Arab world—and it’s not just regional dominance. A new study by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) places Qatar fourth globally in terms of per capita income, solidifying its position as an economic powerhouse.

The UAE followed as the second richest in the region (12th worldwide), with Bahrain coming in third (26th globally). Meanwhile, the report listed Somalia and Syria among the countries with the lowest per capita income.

So, What Do These Rankings Actually Mean?

This study, titled “Real Sizes of Arab Economies Between 2017 and 2023,” isn’t just about ranking countries—it breaks down purchasing power and economic influence. It also takes a deeper look at what wealth actually feels like for people living in these countries.

Recommended

Weekend Watchlist: Celebrate Ramadan with These 6 Exciting Events in Qatar!Qatar Ranked Richest Arab Country!Here Are 5 More Places for Iftar and Suhoor in Qatar During Ramadan!

For example, while Qatar leads in per capita income, the UAE took the top spot in the Arab world when it comes to actual material well-being—which means how much people benefit from their country’s wealth in everyday life. Based on this, the UAE ranked 24th worldwide, Kuwait 37th, and Qatar 38th.

The Bigger Picture

The Arab world as a whole accounts for around 5% of the global economy. Egypt and Saudi Arabia stand out as the region’s economic giants, contributing a combined 51% to the Arab economy’s total GDP.

The study also highlights that all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have per capita incomes above the world average, reinforcing the region’s strong financial standing.

More Than Just Numbers

ESCWA’s findings go beyond just GDP. The report looks at purchasing power and how much people can actually do with their money. Majed Skaini, the report’s author, explained that these insights help policymakers understand where to invest, how to set subsidies, and what economic decisions make the biggest impact.

So, while Qatar ranked as the richest Arab nation, the real question remains: How does that wealth translate into everyday life?