Dubai and Abu Dhabi included among cities to watch
Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates have been included among 28 cities shaping new trajectories of global economic development in Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index. Alongside them, the Middle East is represented on the list of so-called cities to watch by Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, The National reports.
Oxford Economics assessed cities across five indicators: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. Analysts described these hubs as dynamic contenders — rapidly developing markets that are forging independent growth paths.
Positions of UAE cities
Dubai rose nine positions compared with the 2025 ranking and took 42nd place overall, entering the top 50. The city ranked second globally for human capital and 53rd for economics. Oxford Economics noted that golden visa and retirement visa programs should encourage longer-term residence, especially among higher-income people.
Abu Dhabi fell 11 places to rank 84th overall. At the same time, the city ranked sixth for human capital, although it was placed 110th for economics. Oxford Economics noted that the economic development of other emirates and the wider Gulf region depends significantly on the success of Abu Dhabi’s economy, which is undergoing diversification and transformation.
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Riyadh’s leap
Riyadh climbed 47 positions to 50th place in the overall ranking. The Saudi capital ranked fourth for human capital and 18th for economics. Oxford Economics linked this result to the city’s substantial economic and social development, as well as diversification, targeted investment and policy.
Analysts believe that Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are increasingly attracting highly skilled workers and innovative businesses. At the same time, they cautioned that the conflict in Iran creates geopolitical uncertainty that could affect the region’s ability to attract capital and specialists.
New York remained the overall ranking leader, followed by London and Paris. The top 10 also included Seattle, San Francisco, Dublin, Boston, San Jose, Tokyo and Zurich.
