These two Arab countries are among the 10 most powerful in the world

According to this year's global power rankings, published by US News and World Report, two Arab countries are among the world's most powerful. 

Saudi Arabia ranked 9th most powerful country in the world, followed by the United Arab Emirates at No.10. 

Overall, the United States outranked all other countries as the most powerful in the world, followed by Russia (No. 2) and China (No. 3.) 

Power was a sub-ranking on the 2018 "Best Countries" report, which placed the UAE at No. 23 and Saudi Arabia at No. 37 overall. 

US News describes Saudi Arabia as the "giant of the Middle East." 

The country is home to the holy city of Mecca, where millions of Muslims come together to perform annual pilgrimage otherwise known as hajj. 

The country's oil reserves have made it one of the most significant players in the world. The kingdom makes up around 18 percent of the world's petroleum reserves, according to OPEC. 

It is the 2nd largest OPEC Member Country. 

However, in recent years, low oil prices have taken a toll on the Saudi economy. 

Thus, the kingdom has steered away from its dependence on oil with wide-reaching economic reforms, including instituting austerity measures and implementing taxes.

US News describes the UAE as "one of the Gulf's most liberal countries." 

In fact, the country made it to the top 20 happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report 2018. 

The UAE also took the No. 1 spot in the Movers sub-ranking in the report, which includes countries poised to grow economically at rates "almost double the global average." 

The country is also on the fast track to becoming the Arab world's first nuclear power producing country. 

In 2017, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation approved licenses to transport and store nuclear fuel. 

1. Saudi Arabia (9th most powerful country in the world)

2. United Arab Emirates (10th most powerful country in the world) 

3. Qatar (20th most powerful country in the world)

4. Egypt (25th most powerful country in the world)

5. Jordan (32nd most powerful country in the world)

6. Lebanon (40th most powerful country in the world)

7. Bahrain (43rd most powerful country in the world)

8. Oman (46th most powerful country in the world)

9. Algeria (54th most powerful country in the world)

10. Morocco (60th most powerful country in the world)

11. Tunisia (66th most powerful country in the world)