Dubai and Abu Dhabi Named Best Cities in the Gulf, Rank Among World’s Top 50
- Publish date: Tuesday، 21 October 2025 Reading time: two min read
The UAE’s powerhouse cities continue to rise in global rankings, praised for innovation, talent, and long-term growth strategies.
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Dubai and Abu Dhabi have once again proven they’re not just regional stars but global players. Both cities ranked among the world’s top 50 in Kearney’s latest Global Cities Index, which tracks how cities adapt and compete in a rapidly changing world.
Dubai held onto its crown as the Gulf’s top city, climbing one spot to 23rd place, while Abu Dhabi made an impressive 10-place leap to 49th—showing the UAE’s momentum in innovation, infrastructure, and global influence.
How the Gulf Is Leveling Up
Other Gulf capitals also made strides. Riyadh rose eight spots to 56th, Doha held steady at 51st, and Manama jumped 10 places to 125th. Cities like Dammam and Madinah also moved up the ranks, proving that the region’s modernization push is paying off.
The top five cities globally remain unchanged: New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Singapore. But Gulf cities are catching up fast, thanks to digital transformation, infrastructure upgrades, and pro-innovation policies.
Dubai’s Big Leap in Future Potential
In Kearney’s Global Cities Outlook report—which predicts cities’ future performance—Dubai also skyrocketed 19 places to rank 25th, driven by strong innovation, digital government services, and quality of life improvements.
The UAE’s investment in smart systems, major transport projects like the Dubai Loop, and easier visa access have made its cities magnets for global talent. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects and green urban plans helped Riyadh secure a major boost in the rankings too.
What It Means for the Region
Experts say the Gulf’s rise is no fluke—it’s the result of long-term planning, bold investments, and a clear focus on attracting talent. “The Gulf’s progress shows how quickly cities can transform when they combine innovation, trust in technology, and liveability,” said Kearney’s Rudolph Lohmeyer.
With Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the charge, the Gulf’s global influence looks set to keep climbing.