Dubai Enters Global Top 50 in 2026 Global Cities Index

Dubai has entered the global top 50 of Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index for the first time, ranking 42nd in the 2026 edition after climbing nine places year on year. The city recorded an overall score of 79.6 and ranked second worldwide for human capital, with a score of 97.9.

The index assesses 1,000 cities across five pillars: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. Dubai scored 68.2 in economics, 68.3 in quality of life, 54 in environment and 56.6 in governance, while placing 53rd globally within the economics pillar.

Elsewhere in the region, Riyadh ranked 50th after rising 47 places, while Abu Dhabi placed 84th overall and sixth globally for human capital. Doha ranked 123rd, Jeddah 171st, Dammam 194th, Manama 218th, Kuwait City 228th and Cairo 255th.

New York topped the 2026 index, followed by London and Paris. Seattle, San Francisco, Dublin, Boston, San Jose, Tokyo and Zurich completed the global top 10. Oxford Economics said US and European cities continue to dominate the highest positions, while Asian cities are expected to gain ground as productivity and incomes increase.