Abu Dhabi, Dubai Crowned Top Liveable Cities in Middle East and Africa

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have once again emerged as the top liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa, according to the 2024 Global Liveability Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Abu Dhabi secured the first spot, while Dubai followed closely in second place, showing notable improvements in healthcare and education.

Abu Dhabi’s high ranking can be attributed to its exceptional safety record, as evidenced by Numbeo’s Crime and Safety Indices, where the city ranks first globally on the Safety Index with an impressive score of 88.2 points. Dubai also performed well in this category, ranking fifth among the world’s safest cities.

The healthcare sector in both cities has seen significant growth. Dubai now boasts 5,020 licensed and operational healthcare facilities and 13,370 licensed doctors as of the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has 3,323 healthcare facilities, including 67 hospitals and over 1,100 health centers, with 12,922 licensed doctors.

Education also plays a crucial role in these cities' rankings. Abu Dhabi hosts 459 schools across private, public, and mixed sectors for the 2023-2024 academic year, while Dubai has 220 private schools.

Other top-ranking cities in the region include Kuwait City, Doha, and Bahrain, which secured the 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions, respectively. These cities, along with Abu Dhabi and Dubai, showcase the Gulf Cooperation Council’s growing influence on the global stage, driven by economic stability and a strong focus on attracting global talent.

If you’re planning to visit the United Arab Emirates, you may want to secure an international driver’s permit that will allow you to drive around to see its tourist hotspots. When driving in the UAE, going on exciting road trips should be included in your to-do list.