ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Oxford Economics has unveiled its 2024 classification of the world’s best cities, highlighting significant insights into urban excellence and development. Among the Gulf and Arab countries, Kuwait City secured the eighth spot, ranking 293rd globally. Leading the global chart, New York City was celebrated for its unparalleled economic size and stable growth, emerging as the world’s top city.
The World Cities Index, which forms the basis of these rankings, assesses cities across five critical categories: economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. These categories encompass a broad spectrum of indicators, providing a comprehensive evaluation of urban performance.
- Economy: This category examines the GDP size, economic growth, and economic diversity. New York City’s dominance in this category significantly contributed to its overall top ranking. The city’s robust economic framework, featuring a GDP that surpasses many countries, and its diverse economy with strong financial, technology, and entertainment sectors, make it a global economic powerhouse.
- Human Capital: This metric evaluates the availability of skilled labor, education systems, and the presence of top-tier universities and companies. London, securing second place globally, excelled in this category, thanks to its concentration of world-class educational institutions and a dynamic corporate environment.
- Quality of Life: This category considers factors such as living standards, housing, healthcare, and recreational amenities. Cities that offer high quality of life typically attract and retain talent, contributing to their overall attractiveness and competitiveness.
- Environment: This aspect assesses cities based on sustainability, green spaces, air quality, and environmental policies. A strong environmental performance is increasingly critical as cities aim to balance growth with ecological responsibility.
- Governance: Effective governance encompasses the efficiency of public services, transparency, and responsiveness of local authorities. Good governance practices ensure that cities can effectively manage resources and respond to the needs of their inhabitants.
In the context of Arab cities, Abu Dhabi led the way, ranking 54th globally. This high ranking reflects the city’s strategic investments in infrastructure, diversification efforts, and improvements in quality of life and governance. Abu Dhabi’s growth is supported by significant economic diversification away from oil dependency, robust educational institutions, and a high standard of living.
Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman shared the 92nd global position, collectively representing the UAE’s progressive urban landscape. These cities are known for their rapid development, economic dynamism, and cultural vibrancy. Dubai, in particular, stands out with its iconic skyline, tourism, and business-friendly environment. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, was ranked third among Arab cities and 118th globally. Riyadh’s ranking is bolstered by its economic reforms and Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming the city into a major economic and cultural hub.
Dammam (189th globally) and Al Ain (218th globally) followed, showcasing the diversity within Saudi Arabia’s urban development strategy. Jeddah, another key city in Saudi Arabia, ranked sixth among Arab cities and 257th globally, recognized for its strategic location and economic activities. Doha, Qatar’s capital, placed seventh among Arab cities and 262nd globally, reflecting its economic resilience, quality of life, and growing international profile.
Cairo, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, ranked 327th globally. Despite facing challenges such as overcrowding and infrastructure deficits, Cairo remains a significant urban center in the Arab world. Makkah, a city of immense religious significance, was ranked 339th globally. Manama, the capital of Bahrain, positioned at 353rd globally, highlights its status as a financial hub with a high quality of life. Taif, rounding out the top 12 Arab cities, was ranked 373rd globally, recognized for its unique cultural and environmental features.
New York City’s top ranking underscores the importance of economic strength and growth stability in determining a city’s global standing. The city’s diverse economic sectors and substantial population base contribute significantly to its global influence. London’s second-place ranking highlights the critical role of human capital. Despite facing challenges such as high housing costs and limited economic diversity, London’s concentration of top universities and international companies reinforces its status as a global city.
The 2024 classification by Oxford Economics offers a detailed snapshot of the world’s leading cities, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of urban success. From the economic might of New York City to the human capital strengths of London and the strategic developments in Arab cities, the rankings reflect a diverse array of urban strengths and strategies. For cities like Kuwait City and other Gulf counterparts, continued investment in economic diversification, human capital, and quality of life will be essential to climb higher in future rankings.