Dubai Ranks Among World’s Top 10 Most Influential Cities – Forbes

Dubai has been ranked the seventh most influential city in the world, above global cities such as Los Angeles, Beijing and Sydney, according to a new list published by Forbes magazine.

The list, topped by London, ranks the cities based on eight factors including the amount of foreign direct investment they have attracted; the concentration of corporate headquarters; how many particular business niches they dominate; air connectivity (ease of travel to other global cities); strength of producer services; financial services; technology and media power; and racial diversity.

Dubai, which also topped the global ranking for air connectivity, was acknowledged for its growing infrastructure and diversity.

“Much of what we see in the media about Middle Eastern cities are scenes of destruction and chaos. Yet in a relatively quiet corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is ascending, ranked seventh on our list,” Forbes said in the report.

The city’s globalisation strategy centres around on its expanding airport, which includes the world’s largest terminal and an even larger airport under construction, it said.

“It ranks first in the world in our air connectivity ranking, with nonstop flights at least three times a week to 93 per cent of global cities outside of its home region.

“Its hub location and business-friendly climate have made it a favorite for companies looking to establish a Middle East headquarters or point of presence. As a crossroads of humanity, Dubai is unparalleled among global cities for its diversity: 86 per cent of its residents are foreign born.”

Dubai was also the only city from the developing world to feature within the highest ranking cities.

The top 10 included: London, New York, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai, Los Angeles, Beijing and Sydney.

The report also stated that UAE capital Abu Dhabi, which ranked joint 20th, could move up in the future.

“For the time being, the future of the global city belongs not to the biggest or fastest growing but the most efficient and savvy, and those with a strong historical pedigree,” it added.