Dubai climbs Brand Finance Global...

Emirate reaches fifth place in global survey of city perceptions

Dubai has climbed four places to rank as the world’s fifth-best city brand out of 100 cities, behind tourism powerhouses London, New York, Paris and Tokyo, according to the Brand Finance Global City Index.

Touted as the "most comprehensive global survey of city perceptions", this year’s results are based on a survey of over 15,000 respondents across 20 countries, offering a detailed look at how the world’s leading city brands are viewed.

Respondents were asked to rate 100 cities on Familiarity, Reputation, and Consideration, the results indicating how strongly these cities are perceived as places people would want to live, work, study, visit, retire and invest in.

In addition, respondents chose from 45 attributes grouped under seven pillars, including Culture & Heritage or Business & Investment, that they associated with city brands.

Dubai’s top rank for Reputation is matched by its top rank in the Business & Investment pillar. The city has also achieved impressive gains in terms of consideration for working locally (up from 16th to eighth) and consideration for working remotely (up from 24th to fourth).

The emirate is a hotspot for innovation and start-ups, with initiatives like the Dubai Future Foundation contributing to its number one ranking for future growth potential.

Additionally, Dubai’s second-place ranking for its strong and stable economy and 3rd place ranking for attractive corporate taxation further solidifies the city’s status as a prime location for investment, making it the top city globally for investment consideration.

Andrew Campbell, Managing Director, of Brand Finance Middle East, commented: "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."

Abu Dhabi holds its 2023 global ranking at number 30, although it has improved by eight spots in Consideration, now ranking 24th. Notably, the city sits second for consideration to invest, up 12 ranks from 2023, and ninth globally for consideration to work locally, up 15 ranks from 2023.

Abu Dhabi also ranks an impressive fifth in the Business & Investment pillar, including fourth for being great for start-ups and innovations, and second for future growth potential.

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).

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.

For more information, visit www.brandfinance.com/globalcityindex

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