In the “Global City Index 2024” published by Brand Finance, Dubai has been recognised as the leading city in the Middle East and Africa, securing the fifth position worldwide. This marks the second consecutive year that Dubai has topped the regional rankings, showcasing outstanding performance across various key performance indicators and categories, further solidifying its status as an economic powerhouse in the region.
With a score of 86 out of 100, Dubai outperformed several major global cities, including Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, which placed sixth to tenth, respectively, in the evaluation of 100 cities.
Driven by the strategic blueprint of Dubai Plan 2030 and ambitious economic and social initiatives for the upcoming decade, the emirate continues to enhance its global competitiveness across multiple sectors.
Notably, Dubai has made significant progress in its global reputation, now ranked first overall, up from seventh in 2023, ahead of Sydney and London, which are in second and third place. The city also achieved remarkable improvement in the perception of local job opportunities and remote work, jumping from 24th to 4th place.
Furthermore, Dubai has been identified as the second-best city of global significance, surpassing the traditional stronghold of London. Its robust and stable economy, now ranked second globally, is fuelled by its strategic role as an international trade hub, top-tier logistics infrastructure, and its advantageous geographical position connecting the East and West.
These attributes make Dubai an appealing destination for residents, businesses, and international investors. As a vibrant centre for innovation and start-ups, initiatives like the Future Foundation have helped the city reach the top ranking for potential future growth. Additionally, Dubai’s third-place standing for attractive corporate taxation cements its reputation as a premier investment location, leading it to be recognised as the top city for investment consideration.
Dubai has also excelled in cultivating a high-quality educational landscape, achieving top positions in the “Great Private Schools” Index and the “Great Publicly Funded Schools” Index, along with strong performance in “Local and International Connectivity” and “Ease of Getting a Visa.”
In the broader Middle East and North Africa region, Dubai excelled across all key performance indicators and categories, leading in areas such as preference for local and remote work, investment, living conditions, retirement, education, and tourism.
