DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Abu Dhabi and Dubai have emerged as leaders in attracting global talent, with both cities ranking first globally in the Ease of Entry metric. This ranking was introduced under the Human Capital dimension of Kearney’s Global Cities Index (GCI) and reflects the success of these cities in establishing open immigration policies aimed at bringing in international talent. This is part of a broader strategy to boost the economic landscape by building a diverse, talent-driven workforce.
The UAE’s emphasis on ease of entry aligns with its broader ambitions of transforming its cities into global hubs for business and innovation. By adopting more accessible immigration regulations, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made significant strides in enhancing their attractiveness to foreign professionals. This is a key part of the UAE’s vision of fostering a competitive, diversified economy by capitalising on human capital.
GCC cities demonstrate resilience and adaptability
The wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including cities such as Riyadh and Dammam, has also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of shifting global economic and geopolitical landscapes. Cities across the region have increasingly diversified their economies, with the services sector emerging as a strong performer.
Dammam, in particular, experienced a notable rise in the Business Activity metric, propelled by the establishment of several global services firms. This growth highlights the GCC’s continued focus on diversifying away from oil-reliant economies and creating a robust services infrastructure. The adaptability shown by these cities in integrating global services firms reinforces the region’s rising prominence in the global business landscape.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi top new human capital metric
The introduction of the Ease of Entry metric underlines a shift in the way cities are evaluated on their global influence, with human mobility playing a critical role. Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s top ranking in this area is largely due to their welcoming immigration policies designed to attract highly skilled professionals. This policy shift has been central to the UAE’s economic strategy, particularly as it strives to remain competitive on a global stage amid fast-changing geopolitical and economic trends.
While Western European cities benefit from seamless mobility within the Schengen area, cities in the United States and the United Kingdom did not rank as highly. However, Luxembourg and Singapore joined the UAE in the top rankings, further emphasising the importance of human mobility and talent attraction in shaping the global cities of tomorrow.
Middle Eastern cities make strides in business activity and innovation
Beyond the Ease of Entry, Middle Eastern cities have made impressive gains in the Business Activity and Innovation metrics. Cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Dammam have remained resilient despite global economic volatility. Dammam, for instance, saw its services sector expand significantly, with top global firms establishing a presence in the city.
Dubai has also excelled in the Innovation dimension, climbing several ranks thanks to its focus on fostering technological advancement and supporting a vibrant private sector. Similarly, cities such as Makkah and Muscat have prioritised economic diversification, with both showing substantial improvements in attracting private investments.
Future opportunities for Middle Eastern cities in global trade
Kearney’s Global Cities Report points to a new form of globalisation, characterised by shifting trade patterns and capital flows. This presents opportunities for cities in the Middle East, which are well-positioned to leverage their strategic locations and strong economies. The region’s digital infrastructure, combined with favourable immigration policies, has allowed cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi to continue growing, despite global uncertainty.
The report also highlights the importance of innovation and resilience in ensuring future economic stability. Cities that maintain low real interest rates and promote private market growth are likely to continue attracting investments. As the global economic landscape evolves, cities in the GCC are capitalising on their unique positioning to drive growth and innovation while mitigating risks.
Challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainability
While many cities in the Middle East have demonstrated resilience in the face of economic challenges, they are not immune to the growing pressures of climate change. Cities globally are major contributors to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and the Middle East is no exception. Climate disasters have resulted in significant financial losses, and many cities are grappling with the challenge of balancing economic growth with sustainability efforts.
Kearney’s report notes that many cities are taking a piecemeal approach to addressing environmental issues, but a more proactive, systems-oriented mindset is needed. A regenerative approach, which focuses on building institutional capabilities and long-term readiness, is seen as essential for addressing both the immediate and future challenges posed by climate change.
