5 Arab countries in the global pension index for the year 2026. Here is their ranking

(CNN) - The 2026 Marsh Global Pensions Index revealed disparities in the efficiency of pension systems around the world, in light of the increasing challenges posed by the aging population and rising average lives, and the accompanying pressures on the sustainability of pension systems.

The report, issued in cooperation with the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute (CFA Institute), included an evaluation of 55 pension systems around the world, including 5 Arab countries, based on three main criteria: pension adequacy, financial sustainability, system integrity, and governance.

In the Arab world, Saudi Arabia topped the countries included in the index by obtaining 73.2 points out of 100, followed by Kuwait with 72.9 points, then the UAE with 70 points, the Sultanate of Oman with 69.9 points, and Qatar with 66 points. The five countries received a rating of (B), which indicates that they have pension systems with a strong structure and good benefits, but there are aspects that need further improvement.

Globally, the Netherlands topped the rankings with 85.8 points, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Singapore, Israel and Australia, which are the only six systems to have received the highest rating (A).

The report highlights the challenges facing retirement systems, especially with declining birth rates and rising life expectancy, which increases pressure on their ability to provide sufficient and sustainable income to retirees in the long term.