Dubai has climbed four places to become the world’s 5th best city brand out of 100 cities, behind London, New York, Paris and Tokyo, according to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index released on Thursday.

Dubai’s top rank in reputation is matched only by its top rank in the business and investment pillar. The city also made impressive gains in consideration for local work (from 16th to 8th) and consideration for remote work (from 24th to 4th).

The emirate is a hotbed of innovation and start-ups, with initiatives such as the Dubai Future Foundation contributing to its top ranking in terms of future growth potential. Additionally, Dubai’s ranking second for its strong and stable economy and third for attractive personal taxation further strengthens the city’s status as a prime location for investment, making it the world’s leading city in terms of investment.

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“Dubai’s rise to become the fifth best city brand in the world is mainly due to its ranking as number one in the world in terms of reputation. This improved perception highlights the effectiveness of the UAE government’s strategic investments in infrastructure, tourism and the business ecosystem. Dubai’s consideration metrics further highlight the city’s growing appeal as a premier destination for global visitors, residents, businesses and investors,” said Andrew Campbell, Managing Director of Brand Finance Middle East .

The latest study covered responses from more than 15,000 respondents across 20 countries, providing a detailed insight into how the world’s leading urban brands are perceived.

Wahid Abbas

Waheed Abbas is an associate editor, covering real estate, aviation and other business topics that directly affect the lives of UAE consumers. He also frequently reports human interest stories.