Dubai Secures Top Spot in Middle East and Africa in Global City Index 2024
Dubai has once again been recognized as the leading city in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in the Global City Index 2024 published by Brand Finance. This marks the second consecutive year that Dubai has topped the rankings in the MEA region, showcasing its exceptional performance across all major categories and key performance indicators. This achievement highlights Dubai’s continued economic dominance in the region.
On the global stage, Dubai climbed to the fifth position out of 100 cities evaluated, earning an impressive score of 86 out of 100. This accomplishment places the city ahead of other global powerhouses, including Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, which rank sixth through tenth, respectively.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attributed this remarkable achievement to the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. He emphasized that Dubai’s success is a result of its strategic plans, particularly the Dubai Plan 2030, which serves as a roadmap for economic and social advancement over the coming decade.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai’s focus on global competitiveness and its unwavering commitment to achieving transformative milestones. He also expressed gratitude to the teams behind the city’s success, acknowledging their dedication and collaborative spirit.
“Our achievements motivate us to continue developing innovative strategies that strengthen Dubai’s global position,” Sheikh Hamdan said. He emphasized that Dubai’s consistent recognition not only reflects its past accomplishments but also inspires future growth and excellence.
Dubai’s rise to fifth place globally this year, an improvement of four spots compared to 2023, reflects its growing international appeal. Notably, the city ranked first globally in reputation, moving up from seventh place last year and outperforming Sydney and London, which ranked second and third. Dubai also achieved a significant jump in its ranking for work opportunities, both local and remote, climbing from 24th to 4th place.
The emirate has further strengthened its standing as the second-best city of global significance, surpassing London. This recognition is bolstered by Dubai’s stable and robust economy, which ranks second globally. Its strategic position as a key hub for international trade, cutting-edge logistics infrastructure, and ability to connect the East and West contribute to its attractiveness for residents, businesses, and investors alike.
Dubai’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship has cemented its status as a global leader in future growth potential, driven by initiatives such as the Dubai Future Foundation. The city also ranks third globally for corporate tax attractiveness, making it a premier destination for investment.
Additionally, Dubai ranks as the world’s number one city for investment consideration, showcasing its appeal to international investors. Its top performance in sectors like education, tourism, and global connectivity further enhances its reputation as an ideal city to live, work, and invest in.
In the field of education, Dubai has excelled by achieving top rankings in indices measuring the quality of both private and publicly funded schools. The city’s superior connectivity and simplified visa processes also contribute to its global appeal.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, Dubai outperformed other cities in all key performance metrics, reflecting its excellence in areas such as work opportunities, investment prospects, quality of life, retirement options, education, and tourism.
With its strategic vision and innovative policies, Dubai continues to redefine global standards and inspire the world as a city of the future.