Dubai continues to shine on the global stage, securing 13th place in the prestigious World’s Best Cities Index, beating major cities like Toronto, Milan, and Vienna. Compiled by the renowned marketing and brand strategy firm Resonance, the index evaluates the world’s top metropolitan areas with populations exceeding one million, making it a trusted resource for urban excellence.
Though Dubai slipped seven spots compared to last year, the city remains a highly desirable destination. Chris Fair, Resonance’s president and CEO, emphasized that Dubai’s global reputation remains robust, stating, “The perception of Dubai is still incredibly strong worldwide.”
Perception Takes Center Stage
This year, the report introduced a new element—perception. Market research firm Ipsos surveyed over 22,000 people across 31 countries to gauge which cities people most want to live in, visit, or work. Jason McGrath, Ipsos’ executive vice president, highlighted the importance of perception, explaining, “By combining what people say about cities with Resonance’s rigorous evaluation, we’ve developed a more comprehensive way to rank and advise cities on reputation building.”
Interestingly, the perception factor reshuffled rankings for several cities. Doha dropped significantly, falling from 36th to 73rd, and Hong Kong tumbled from 46th to 97th. Fair noted that this wasn’t due to negative perceptions but because cities like Hong Kong are no longer at the forefront of people’s minds globally.
How Cities Were Ranked
The rankings consider liveability, lovability, and prosperity. Metrics such as housing affordability, air quality, green spaces, and connectivity are analyzed. Social media activity—like Facebook check-ins and Instagram mentions—also plays a role, showcasing how vibrant and engaging a city feels to its residents and visitors.
Dubai excelled in social media engagement, topping the charts for the highest number of Facebook check-ins globally. London, which ranked first overall for the 10th consecutive year, dominated Instagram mentions.
Global Highlights from the Index
- Best Nightlife: Barcelona
- Top for Shopping and Dining: Tokyo
- Best Air Quality: Auckland
- Top for Green Spaces: Chicago
Dubai’s Growing Global Influence
Dubai’s allure extends beyond its metrics. Business leaders are increasingly using Dubai as a strategic hub. Laura Citron, CEO of London and Partners, highlighted the city’s role in fostering global trade, particularly among Indian investors. “Dubai and London form a powerful triangle with India for global operations,” she noted.
Dubai’s achievements in the index reaffirm its status as a dynamic city that attracts both visitors and professionals. With its blend of innovation, connectivity, and cultural richness, Dubai is a shining example of a city built for the future.
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