In an annual Arab Youth Survey, the UAE led all destinations on the question of “where in the world would you like to live?”

The country was No. 1 in the poll, with 39 percent of all respondents (“youth” was not defined in the story) naming the UAE as the place they would like to be.

Second on the list was a bit of a surprise — the United States, with 21 percent of Arab youths making it their top choice.

The UAE can feel proud about being No. 1.

In a bid to explain the popularity, the linked story suggested “experts believe the UAE’s popularity is based on a strong economic outlook, moderate government, ease of conducting business here and its reputation as a safe haven in a region of political unrest.”

Having lived here for 4.5 years … all of that is true, and all of that is rarely found in surrounding nations.

The Arab world has not been an orderly place for quite some time, certainly not since the Arab Spring, which in many cases toppled the old but has not yet produced anything new.

Several of the most populous Arab countries have experienced nonstop upheaval for years. Lebanon is a mess, Egypt is still roiling, as is Libya. Iraq is no picnic.

Syria is still being torn apart.

When we first came to the UAE, more than once we were told how “brave” we were — when the UAE’s 40-plus-year history demonstrates it has been remarkably stable and safe for individuals.

The UAE also is not as socially conservative as two of its wealthy neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which young people presumably would find welcoming. (Saudi got 14 percent of the vote, and Qatar 13 percent.)

So, the U.S. second, with 21 percent of respondents?

I would guess that is mostly a cultural thing. American pop culture is known here, and often followed, and emulated.

Even from the other side of the world, a fair number of young Arabs feel like they know the U.S. and would like to live there.

Certainly, many have gone to school at U.S. colleges — but nothing near 21 percent of youth in the region.

And that says something flattering about the U.S., because Arabs know Islam is a minority religion in the U.S., and Arabic is rarely spoken. But 21 percent have no problem with that. Not enough to stop them from wanting to be there.

One other way to look at the survey? If given a choice, 61 percent of Arab youth would rather live in one of two countries — the UAE or U.S.

Very interesting, indeed.