Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is the second most considered brand globally for investment, according to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index, considered a comprehensive survey of city perceptions.
The UAE’s capital performed well in several sub-categories of the index, even as it retained its second position in the Middle East and Africa and 30th position globally.
The 2024 Brand Finance Global City Index highlighted many positive developments for the Middle East. Dubai tops the Middle East and Africa rankings, followed by Abu Dhabi. Globally, Dubai jumped four places from ninth to join the top five cities in the world.
The 2024 rankings 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 key performance indicators: familiarity, reputation, and consideration, 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 and business & investment, that they associated with city brands.
Abu Dhabi performed well in several sub-categories, though its overall ranking remained at 30th position. It is the second most preferred city globally for investment, moving up 12 ranks from 2023, outpaced by its glitzy neighbour Dubai for the top position.
Abu Dhabi has improved by eight spots in the consideration category, now ranking 24th. It ranks ninth globally for consideration to work remotely, up 15 ranks from 2023. Abu Dhabi also ranks an impressive fifth in the Business & Investment pillar, including fourth for being great for startups and innovation, and second for future growth potential. It has also improved by 16 ranks to 20th globally for being perceived as a leader in science and technology, further underscoring the city’s growing appeal as an innovation hub.
This year, Dubai has surpassed several major cities to occupy the fifth position in the index. Dubai is recognised as the top city globally for reputation and investment. The city has also achieved impressive gains in terms of consideration for working locally (up from 16th to 8th) and consideration for working remotely (up from 24th to 4th).
Commenting on Dubai’s rise in the rankings, Andrew Campbell, Managing Director, Brand Finance Middle East, said: "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.”
Elsewhere in the Middle East, 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). In particular, 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.
Global Rankings
London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai, Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam are the top cities in the Brand Finance index, which has been published for the second time after making its debut last year.
