Dubai among world's top 10 most influential cities

Dubai’s global rise as a major attraction for tourists, businesses and entrepreneurs was further enhanced with a latest survey rating it among the most influential cities in the world.

The US-based, internationally reputed 'Forbes' magazine has rated Dubai as the 7th most influential city in the world, ahead of the many of its peers, including capitals of the developed countries.

The emirate was ranked ahead of global metropolitan cities of Beijing, Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto, Houston, Washington DC, Seoul and Shanghai. Dubai was the only city among the top 10 from the Middle East.

According to Forbes, London topped the ranking, followed by New York, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

The rankings have been awarded to cities on the basis of 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 is ascending, ranked seventh on our list. Its globalisation strategy hinges largely on its expanding airport, which includes the world’s largest terminal and an even larger airport under construction.

"It ranks first in the world in our air connectivity ranking, with nonstop flights at least three times a week to 93% 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% of its residents are foreign-born,” said Joel Kotkin, the author of the report.

Kotkin covers demographic, social and economic trends around the world for Forbes.

Abu Dhabi – a rising star

Kotkin has ranked Abu Dhabi among the rising stars and could play an influential role in the future. The UAE capital has been ranked as 20th most influential city, on par with Shanghai.

“Overseas, other urban centres that could move up in the future include No 16 Seoul, Shanghai and No 20 (tie) Abu Dhabi. But outside of Dubai no other cities in our Top 20 come from the developing world,” Forbes added.

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