Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the List of the World's Top Cities

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked among the top cities in the world in the latest study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG); a report that this time does not only consider economy and infrastructure as the criteria for city competition but also includes the real experiences of residents in the equation.

This study examined 80 cities worldwide across five indices: economic opportunities, quality of life, social capital, interaction with government, and speed of change. The results show that the two Emirati cities rank above the global average in most indices related to resident experiences.

Dubai has achieved the fifth rank in the world for economic opportunities; a position that makes it the only city in the region among the top five in this index. This rank is attributed to factors such as household income, a positive outlook on the business environment, and the extensive presence of international companies.

Dubai is also among the top 10 cities in the world for interaction with government; an index that examines the role of government services and digital platforms in simplifying the daily affairs of residents and businesses.

However, one of the most interesting sections of the report is social capital. Dubai ranks twelfth in this index globally and is first among cities in the region. The city also holds the first rank in the sub-index of 'social connections'; a topic related to the level of connection with friends, social participation, and interaction among residents.

Abu Dhabi has also performed notably in the area of urban change and transformation. BCG states that the speed of change is one of the factors closely related to the level of satisfaction and support of residents for the city, and Abu Dhabi ranks among the cities with strong performance in this area.

Quality of life is another part of the story. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the cities where residents spend a significant amount of time on recreation and entertainment, and both cities rank above the global average in some housing and healthcare indices.

Of course, the report does not only highlight strengths. Public transportation, urban walking, and education are areas that still need improvement. Commute times have also increased by 6.5 percent compared to the previous version of the study, and dependence on personal vehicles remains high.

The main message from BCG is that competitive cities of the future are not just cities with better roads, taller buildings, or larger airports; a more successful city is one that can connect economic growth, technology, government services, social communications, and quality of life in the daily experiences of its residents.
Source: Gulf News