Dubai Shines Globally in the 2024 City Brand Index

8th November 2024

3 minutes read

Dubai topped the Middle East and Africa region in the 2024 “City Brand Index” by Brand Finance as the best city brand in the region, affirming its leadership by retaining the regional top spot for the second consecutive year. It achieved leading positions across all key performance indicators and categories among cities in the region.

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This year, Dubai achieved another exceptional milestone, rising to fifth place globally in the index among the 100 cities on the list, scoring 86 out of 100 points on the city brand index. This put it ahead of prominent global cities like Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, which ranked sixth to tenth, respectively.

Strong Commitment

On this occasion, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, emphasized that the unwavering commitment to the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as well as the goals outlined in the Dubai 2030 plan and its economic and social agendas for the next decade, are the core foundation of the emirate’s achievements. These accomplishments have enabled Dubai to advance across various global competitiveness indices and numerous international reports, all of which confirm that Dubai is on the right track to meet the ambitious goals set for the next phase.

He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the teams behind these achievements in various sectors, who have crafted a success story admired worldwide. These achievements motivate further development, introducing more solutions and mechanisms to enhance performance rates and achieve greater success levels, in line with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision for the future and the leading role Dubai aspires to maintain as an inspiring model for sustainable development based on creativity and innovation, solidifying its position as a capital of excellence and leadership regionally and globally.

He stated, “We value every effort that helped Dubai top the Middle East and North Africa region for the second consecutive year and rank among the top five cities globally in an important international index comparing 100 cities. This index relies on people’s assessment of the quality of life in those cities and their views on work, investment, study, and retirement opportunities. Dubai ranks first worldwide as a preferred investment destination and leader in future growth expectations… Dubai is a city building the future everyone aspires to.”

Global Excellence

Dubai ranked second globally in the index for economic strength and stability, business environment and innovation, and the quality of its markets and restaurants. It also took the top global spot in several key indicators, including “reputation strength,” “people’s desire to invest,” and its leadership in “business and investment.”

Regarding city attributes and strengths, Dubai ranked first globally for “future growth expectations” and second as a “globally significant city” with a “strong and stable economy,” an environment “ideal for startups and innovation,” and “attractive corporate tax structure,” also recognized as a “preferred destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment,” according to Dubai’s Government Media Office.

The report also noted Dubai’s outstanding performance in various global indicators, ranking third worldwide for “personal tax attractiveness,” “ease of doing business,” and “ease of car travel.”

The Brand Finance report highlighted Dubai’s significant progress in creating a high-quality educational environment, earning top spots in “outstanding private schools” and “well-funded public schools,” as well as an “excellent local and international communication network” and “ease of obtaining a visa.”

In the Middle East and North Africa, Dubai topped all key performance indicators, covering all relevant domains and factors related to individuals’ preferences for choosing a favorite city for local work, remote work, investment, residence, retirement, study, and tourism.