Dubai has been ranked the top city in the Middle East and Africa and fifth in the world in the “Global City Index 2024” report issued by Brand Finance.
Dubai maintained the top position in the region for the second year in a row, performing exceptionally across all key performance indicators and categories, reaffirming the city’s economic leadership in the region.
Dubai also rose to fifth place globally in the Index, which evaluated 100 cities. With a score of 86 out of 100, Dubai surpassed major global cities such as Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, which ranked sixth through tenth, respectively.
Dubai climbs to 5th in Global City Index 2024
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, emphasised that Dubai’s remarkable success has been driven by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Guided by the strategic framework of Dubai Plan 2030, along with visionary economic and social agendas for the coming decade, the emirate is steadily advancing in global competitiveness rankings across sectors.
These achievements demonstrate the city’s commitment to achieving its transformative goals for the next phase, he added.
Sheikh Hamdan expressed his appreciation to all teams behind these achievements, highlighting their collaborative efforts in shaping Dubai’s success story. He noted that global accolades encourage the emirate’s teams to reinforce efforts to develop new strategic solutions to boost growth and excellence.
صدر اليوم في العاصمة البريطانية لندن تقرير Brand Finance City Index يقارن 100 مدينة حول العالم من حيث نظرة الناس لجودة الحياة فيها بالإضافة لنظرتهم للعمل والاستثمار والدراسة والتقاعد في أفضل 100 مدينة عالمية.
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 7, 2024
جاءت دبي ضمن الخمسة الأوائل عالمياً في الترتيب العام …
وجاءت في… pic.twitter.com/fxn2bjH53M
Sheikh Hamdan said: “We value every effort that has helped secure Dubai’s position as the top city in the Middle East and North Africa for the second consecutive year. We also celebrate its rise into the ranks of the top five cities globally in a prominent international report that compares 100 leading city brands worldwide.
“This report captures people’s perceptions of quality of life and their views on opportunities for work, investment, education, and retirement. Dubai ranks first globally as the most desired investment destination and leads in future growth expectations.
“It is a city that shapes the future that people around the world aspire to.”
Dubai has climbed four spots in the Index this year, now ranking as the world’s fifth best city brand.
The city has made significant strides, ranking first globally for Reputation (up from seventh in 2023), ahead of Sydney and London in second and third.
Dubai has also seen impressive gains in consideration for local work opportunities and remote work (up from 24th to 4th).
The city has been recognised as the second-best city of global significance, surpassing traditional heavyweight London. Dubai’s strong and stable economy, ranked second globally, is driven by its strategic role as a hub for international trade, world-class logistics infrastructure, and its advantageous position bridging the East and West.
These factors make Dubai an attractive choice for residents, businesses, and global investors.
As a hotspot for innovation and start-ups, Dubai’s initiatives, such as the Future Foundation, have helped the city secure the top ranking for future growth potential.
Additionally, its third-place ranking for attractive corporate taxation further solidifies its position as a prime investment location, making it the number one city for investment consideration.
Dubai has made remarkable strides in creating a high-quality educational environment, achieving top rankings in the “Great Private Schools” Index, the “Great Publicly Funded Schools” Index, and excelling in “Local and International Connectivity” and “Ease to Get a Visa”.
In the Middle East and North Africa, the city led across all key performance indicators and categories, excelling in factors such as preference for local and remote work, investment, living, retirement, education, and tourism.
Andrew Campbell, Managing Director, Brand Finance Middle East, said: “Dubai’s rise to become the world’s fifth-best city brand is primarily driven by its achievement of ranking first globally for reputation.
“This enhanced perception underscores the effectiveness of the UAE government’s strategic investments in infrastructure, tourism, and the business ecosystem.
“The substantial improvements in Dubai’s consideration metrics further highlight the city’s increasing allure as a premier destination for visitors, residents, businesses, and global investors.”
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi holds its 2023 global ranking at 30th, although it has improved by eight spots in Consideration, now ranking 24th.
Notably, the city sits in second rank for consideration to invest, up 12 ranks from 2023, and ninth globally for consideration to work remotely, up 15 ranks from 2023.
Abu Dhabi also ranks an impressive fifth in the Business and Investment pillar, including fourth for being great for startups and innovations, and second for future growth potential.
It has also gone up 16 ranks to 20th globally for being perceived as a leader in science and technology, further underscoring the city’s growing appeal as an innovation hub.
Behind Abu Dhabi, Doha (69th) ranks 19th for attractive corporate taxation and 20th for attractive personal taxation.
Riyadh continues its progress climbing four places to 75th globally with notable improvements in consideration to work, live and invest (all up seven places or more).
In particular, it has climbed 37 places for famous sports teams and clubs, 24 places for great private schools and 20 places for great shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
Brand Finance Global City Index 2024
- London
- New York
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Dubai
- Singapore
- Los Angeles
- Sydney
- San Francisco
- Amsterdam
- Zurich
- Rome
- Berlin
- Toronto
- Geneva
- Miami
- Madrid
- Vienna
- Barcelona
- Munich
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