Abu Dhabi and Dubai have retained their positions as the top liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2024. The report praises both cities for notable improvements in healthcare and education sectors.
According to a WAM report, Dubai, ranked second, closely follows Abu Dhabi, which is also acclaimed for its safety. Data from Numbeo’s “Crime and Safety Indexes” lists Abu Dhabi as the world’s safest city with a Safety Index score of 88.2 and a Crime Index of 11.8. Dubai also makes the top five on this list.
The healthcare sector in Dubai has expanded, with the Dubai Health Authority reporting over 5,000 operational healthcare facilities and 13,370 licensed doctors as of the first quarter of 2024. Abu Dhabi reported 3,323 healthcare facilities, including 67 hospitals and over 1,000 health centers and clinics, with a total of 12,922 licensed doctors by the end of 2022.
Education also saw growth, with Abu Dhabi hosting 459 schools and Dubai 220 private schools during the 2023-2024 academic year. The region’s stability and economic power, highlighted by the Gulf Cooperation Council, attract global talent and investment, contributing to its high rankings. Other Gulf cities like Kuwait City, Doha, and Bahrain also featured prominently in the index.