Top 10 Global Power Cities: Dubai leads Middle East again
Crown Prince credits vision and innovation for city’s sustained success
Dubai has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the eighth spot worldwide and retaining its position as the leading city in the Middle East in the 2024 Global Power City Index (GPCI).
This annual ranking, conducted by Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation, highlights Dubai’s growing influence as a hub for innovation, economic vibrancy, and global connectivity.
For the second consecutive year, Dubai remains the only city from the Middle East to feature among the top 10, solidifying its status as a preferred destination for businesses, talent, and investors.
Visionary leadership behind Dubai’s success
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, lauded the city’s achievement, attributing it to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
For the second year in a row, Dubai has been ranked first regionally and eighth globally in the Global Power City Index 2024 issued by the Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies in Japan. Dubai is the first Middle Eastern city to achieve this distinction.
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 5, 2025
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“Dubai continues to redefine what is possible, combining innovation, sustainability, and a focus on nurturing talent,” said Sheikh Hamdan. He emphasised that the city’s world-class infrastructure, flexible legislative framework, and strong public-private sector partnerships were pivotal in this success.
“We are not just keeping pace; we are setting new benchmarks for excellence,” Sheikh Hamdan added, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to staying at the forefront of global advancements.
Six pillars of Power City Index
The GPCI evaluates cities on six dimensions: Economy, Research and Development, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility. These criteria measure a city’s comprehensive ability to attract people, businesses, and investment.
Dubai excelled particularly in connectivity, innovation, and economic dynamism, which continue to attract leading global minds and enterprises.
A future-focused ecosystem
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai’s efforts to remain future-ready by embracing strategic innovation and sustainable growth. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to consolidate Dubai’s global status as a city of the future. By maintaining a strong commitment to excellence, we are creating new opportunities across industries,” he stated.
Dubai’s rapid ascent in the Global Power City Index reflects its focus on improving the quality of life and fostering economic opportunities. The city has become synonymous with urban innovation and connectivity, setting benchmarks that other cities aspire to meet.
The top 10 cities in the 2024 Global Power City Index are: London, New York, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore, Seoul, Amsterdam, Dubai, Berlin, and Madrid.