7 November 2024: Brand Finance Global City Index 2024: Dubai ranks as the world’s most reputable city, excelling in business, investment, and future growth potential.
- Dubai rises to 5th place among the top 100 cities globally.
- Abu Dhabi ranks 2nd for global investment consideration.
- Riyadh makes significant progress in work, live, and invest considerations.
- London, New York, and Paris maintain top 3 positions globally.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 7 November 2024 – Dubai has now been ranked as the 5th best global city brand, according to the Brand Finance Global City Index 2024. The comprehensive global survey, which measures city perceptions based on factors like Reputation, Familiarity, and Consideration, reveals that Dubai has climbed four spots from its previous position. The study is based on a survey of 15,000 respondents from 20 countries, assessing how people view cities in terms of work, living, investment, tourism, and more.
This year’s results underscore Dubai’s leadership in business and investment. The city excels in the Business & Investment pillar, with Dubai achieving 1st place globally for reputation and top positions in future growth potential. Furthermore, Dubai ranks 2nd in global investment consideration, solidifying its status as the best city worldwide for investment opportunities. Dubai also leads the charge in innovation and start-ups, with projects like the Dubai Future Foundation driving forward its competitive edge.
Andrew Campbell, Managing Director at Brand Finance Middle East, stated, “Dubai’s rise is driven by strategic government investments in infrastructure, tourism, and the business ecosystem. The city’s remarkable improvements in work and investment metrics highlight its growing appeal as a global hub.”
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi holds steady in 30th place overall but has made impressive strides in investment and remote work consideration. Abu Dhabi is now ranked 2nd globally for investment opportunities, marking a 12-place improvement from 2023. Additionally, the city ranks 5th in the Business & Investment pillar, with significant jumps in science and technology leadership, reinforcing its growing role as an innovation hub.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, has climbed 4 spots to 75th, showing substantial improvements across consideration to work, live, and invest. Notably, Riyadh has made gains in sports teams, private schools, and shopping, all factors contributing to its rising global profile.
In terms of global city rankings, London remains at the top, excelling in Familiarity and Reputation but facing challenges in Consideration, particularly in areas such as living affordability and investment. New York and Paris retain their positions in the top 3, with Paris leading in Culture & Heritage and New York ranking 1st in Education & Science. Tokyo has risen to 4th place, recognized as the world leader in science and technology.
David Haigh, Chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, commented on the findings: “While cities like London retain their top spots, perceptions are shifting. The changing dynamics of what makes a city desirable underscore the importance of adapting to new priorities in living, working, and investing.”
Key Highlights:
- Dubai: Ranked 5th globally, with 1st place for reputation, top in business & investment, and future growth potential.
- Abu Dhabi: 2nd for investment, rising in ranks for remote work and business innovation.
- Riyadh: Making notable progress, especially in work, live, and invest considerations.
- London, New York, Paris: Retaining top spots globally but showing a shift in perceptions.
- Tokyo: Rising to 4th, excelling in science and technology.
