Dubai and Abu Dhabi have secured the top spot for ease of entry globally, according to a new study, underscoring their success in attracting and retaining foreign talent. The ranking is part of Kearney’s Global Cities Index, which measures cities’ global influence and connectivity.
Dubai also ranked 24th globally, maintaining its position in the top 25 for the fourth consecutive year in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Abu Dhabi’s high ranking is driven by its open immigration policies designed to attract talent.
The report highlighted how cities in the region, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Dammam, have adapted to global economic and geopolitical challenges. Dammam, in particular, showed a significant rise in business activity due to growth in its services sector.
Middle Eastern cities like Dubai, Makkah, and Muscat also demonstrated resilience by increasing their innovation rankings, driven by private investment growth. The study emphasized the region’s focus on economic diversification and innovation despite global uncertainty.
