UAE Rises to 5th Globally in 2025 City Reputation Index

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has proudly announced that Dubai has achieved the 5th spot globally and remains top of the MENA region in the latest Global City Index. The ranking, released by Brand Finance, assessed 100 major cities based on reputation, investment appeal, quality of life, and future growth prospects.

Scoring an impressive 86 out of 100, Dubai surpassed heavyweights including Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, credited this upward trajectory to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the strategic vision set out under Dubai Plan 2030.

In his statement, Sheikh Hamdan expressed his appreciation, noting: “Dubai’s remarkable success has been driven by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. These global accolades encourage our teams to keep developing strategic solutions to boost growth and excellence”.

Key Highlights from the Index

• Global Reputation: Dubai ranked 1st globally, up from 7th in 2023 - reflecting its rising prestige.
• Remote & Local Work Opportunities: Jumped to 4th place from 24th, highlighting the emirate as a preferred workplace destination.
• Second-best city of global significance, surpassing London; and the economy ranked 2nd globally, thanks to its strategic trade and logistics roles.
• Future Growth Potential: Recognized as a hub for innovation and startups, Dubai ranks top for future prospects, with strong performance in corporate taxation appeal (3rd globally).
• Education & Connectivity: Leading in both private and public school quality, visa accessibility, and international connectivity.

Andrew Campbell, Managing Director at Brand Finance Middle East, remarked that Dubai’s reputation reflects its targeted investments in infrastructure, tourism, and business infrastructure.

Implications for Real Estate & Investment

This enhanced ranking significantly strengthens investor confidence in Dubai’s property market. As a city signaling global top-tier liveability, job creation, and economic stability, Dubai continues to attract foreign direct investment, high-net-worth individuals, and multinational companies. These factors are expected to maintain robust demand in sectors such as residential, commercial, hospitality, and logistics.

As Dubai advances toward its 2030 vision, opportunities in new developments, smart-city infrastructure, and sustainability-focused projects are poised to draw increased interest—and competitive bids—from both public and private real estate entities.