Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been recognized as two of the most livable cities in the Middle East and Africa in the 2024 Global Liveability Index, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
2024 Global Liveability Index
Both cities have shown notable improvements in healthcare and education, reinforcing their positions as premier destinations in the region.
Dubai’s close contender status
Dubai has achieved a commendable second place in the rankings, reflecting significant progress in the same key areas. The city’s advancements in healthcare and education have contributed to its high ranking.
Abu Dhabi is the safest city
According to the Numbeo Crime and Safety Index, Abu Dhabi stands out as one of the safest cities globally. It achieved the top position on the Safety Index with an impressive score of 88.2 points and the lowest Crime Index score of 11.8 points. Dubai is also notable for its safety, ranking fifth among the world’s safest cities.
In healthcare, Dubai has seen a substantial increase in medical facilities. As of the first quarter of 2024, there are 5,020 licensed and operational healthcare facilities in Dubai, supported by a workforce of 13,370 licensed doctors.
Abu Dhabi also demonstrates robust healthcare infrastructure. By the same period, the emirate had 3,323 healthcare facilities, including 67 hospitals, 1,136 health centers, 765 clinics, 1,068 pharmacies, and 287 other healthcare establishments. Additionally, Abu Dhabi had 12,922 licensed doctors by the end of 2022.
Educational achievements
In the education sector, Abu Dhabi reported 459 schools for the 2023-2024 academic year, comprising private, public, and mixed institutions. Dubai’s education sector includes 220 private schools.
The Gulf region excels in global liveability rankings, with eight of the top ten cities located in Gulf countries. Notable mentions include Kuwait City, Doha, and Bahrain, ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are increasingly influential on the world stage, attracting global talent and investment.
The Global Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities based on five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. This comprehensive assessment provides a snapshot of the cities’ overall livability and quality of life.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
