In a groundbreaking development, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have emerged as the top liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa region. This ranking highlights the remarkable progress these United Arab Emirates metropolises have made in various aspects of urban living. Their ascent to the pinnacle of liveability has drawn attention to the exceptional quality of life they offer to residents and visitors alike.
The 2024 Global Liveability Index has spotlighted Abu Dhabi and Dubai for their outstanding performance across key areas. These cities have shown impressive advancements in healthcare, education, stability, and infrastructure. Their high rankings underscore the UAE’s commitment to creating urban environments that prioritize safety, well-being, and prosperity. As we delve deeper, we’ll explore the factors that have propelled these cities to the forefront of liveability in the Middle East and Africa.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai Top the Global Liveability Index
EIU’s 2024 Global Liveability Index findings
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have secured top positions in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) 2024 Global Liveability Index. Abu Dhabi ranked 76th globally with a score of 81.7 out of 100, while Dubai followed closely at 78th place, scoring 80.8. Both cities have shown steady improvements in their overall ratings over recent years.
Improvements in healthcare and education
The UAE has made significant strides in healthcare and education. The country has built an impressive health infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. Collaborations with global brands like Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have elevated care to international standards. In education, partnerships with global institutions and an increasing number of international schools have boosted ratings.
Comparison with other MENA cities
Abu Dhabi and Dubai outperformed other cities in the Middle East and North Africa region. Kuwait City (93rd), Doha (101st), and Manama (106th) rounded off the regional top five. The UAE cities’ high scores in stability, infrastructure, and education have set them apart, highlighting the country’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for its residents.
Safety and Security in UAE Cities
Abu Dhabi’s top global safety ranking
Abu Dhabi has secured its position as the safest city globally for 2024, according to Numbeo’s “Crime and Safety Indexes.” The emirate achieved an impressive safety index score of 88.2 points, while recording the lowest crime index at 11.8 points. This remarkable achievement highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its residents and visitors.
Dubai’s position among world’s safest cities
Dubai has also made significant strides in safety, ranking fifth on the list of the world’s safest cities. The city boasts a safety index of 83.7 and a low crime index of 16.3, showcasing its dedication to maintaining a secure environment for its diverse population.
Impact on liveability scores
The outstanding safety records of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have played a crucial role in their high liveability rankings. These cities’ commitment to security has contributed to their improved scores in healthcare and education, as reflected in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2024. This focus on safety has enhanced the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Healthcare and Education Advancements
Healthcare facilities and licensed doctors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai’s healthcare sector has shown remarkable growth, with 5,020 licensed and operational healthcare facilities in the first quarter of 2024. The city boasts 13,370 licensed doctors. Abu Dhabi’s healthcare landscape is equally impressive, featuring 3,323 facilities, including 67 hospitals and 12,922 licensed doctors by the end of 2022.
Educational institutions in both cities
Abu Dhabi hosts 459 schools, encompassing private, public, and mixed institutions for the 2023-2024 academic year. Dubai, on the other hand, has 220 private schools. Both cities offer a diverse range of higher education options, with numerous public and private universities and colleges.
Contribution to improved liveability scores
The advancements in healthcare and education have significantly contributed to Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s improved scores in the Global Liveability Index. These developments have played a crucial role in positioning them as top liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa region.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s rise to the top of the liveability rankings in the Middle East and Africa region is a testament to their ongoing commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. These cities have made significant strides in key areas such as healthcare, education, safety, and infrastructure. Their impressive performance in the 2024 Global Liveability Index showcases the UAE’s dedication to create urban environments that prioritize well-being and prosperity.
The remarkable achievements of Abu Dhabi and Dubai serve as a model for other cities in the region and beyond. Their focus on safety, coupled with advancements in healthcare and education, has had a profound impact on their overall liveability scores. As these cities continue to evolve and improve, they are likely to maintain their positions as some of the most desirable places to live in the Middle East and Africa, attracting talent and investment from around the world.
