Dubai has been ranked the top city in the Middle East and North Africa for a second consecutive year in a new report judging cities across the world.
The emirate came fifth best in the world, with London taking spot, while New York, Paris and Tokyo made up the top four.
The Brand Finance Global City Index asked 15,000 respondents across 20 countries to take part in a survey offering their perceptions of cities around the world.
While Dubai ranked fifth overall, it topped the charts in the reputation category. The emirate's strong showing was praised by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
"We value every effort that has helped secure Dubai’s position as the top city in the Middle East and North Africa for the second consecutive year," said Sheikh Hamdan. "We also celebrate its rise into the ranks of the top five cities globally in a prominent international report that compares 100 leading city brands worldwide.
"This report captures people’s perceptions of quality of life and their views on opportunities for work, investment, education and retirement. Dubai ranks first globally as the most desired investment destination and leads in future growth expectations. It is a city that shapes the future that people around the world aspire to."
Abu Dhabi came 30th. The rest of the top 10 comprised of Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco and Amsterdam. Dubai also shot up 20 places to fourth place in this year's rankings in the remote working category.
"Its [Dubai's] strong and stable economy, ranked second globally, is underpinned by its strategic role as a hub for international trade, supported by world-class logistics infrastructure and its advantageous position bridging the East and West," read the report conducted by marketing consultancy Brand Finance. "This combination of factors positions Dubai as a compelling choice for residents, businesses and global investors alike."
Those who took part in the survey were asked to consider each city as a place to work both locally and remotely, invest, retire, study, live and visit.
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Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
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Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes.
The hotel
Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.
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Defined Benefit Plan (DB)
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Defined Contribution Plan (DC)
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Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
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Ship class: Meraviglia Class
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- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
The specs
RESULTS
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
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Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
