Dubai Ranks 5th Among World’s Top City Brands as Digital Dubai Adds AED31 Billion in Value

Digital Dubai contributed an estimated AED31 billion (US$8.54 billion) to Dubai’s overall brand value of AED1 trillion (US$272 billion), helping the emirate climb to fifth place among the world’s top city brands, according to a study by Brand Finance, a global brand valuation consultancy.

The study found that Digital Dubai added 1.9 points to Dubai’s score on the City Brand Strength Index, raising it from seventh to fifth place in the global rankings. Dubai recorded a score of 86 out of 100 on the index.

Digital Dubai also scored 8.4 out of 10 for both trust and reputation among residents and the business community, 8.1 in benefit of doubt, and 7.9 in engagement. Brand familiarity reached 92%, while its Brand Strength Index score stood at 77.7 out of 100.

Brand Finance also assigned an AA+ rating to Digital Dubai, placing it among the world’s leading digital government entities.

“Dubai’s position among the world’s strongest place brands is a testament to the success of its people-centered approach, underpinned by sustained investment in advanced, trusted digital infrastructure and seamless collaboration across government entities operating as one integrated ecosystem,” Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said.

“These results also reflect the vision of our leadership, which has harnessed innovation and digital transformation to improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen the economy. Together, these efforts continue to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global model for the city of the future and a destination for talent, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world,” he added.

According to the study, Digital Dubai had its strongest impact on perceptions of Dubai’s global significance (+15.3 points), startup and innovation ecosystem (+11.2), supporting future growth potential (+10.8), ease of doing business (+8.5), enhancing openness and welcoming attitudes (+10.1), quality of life (+9.7), and leadership in science and technology (+9.2), along with strengthening trust in the emirate (+9.2) and reducing bureaucracy (+10.6).

The findings were based on responses from approximately 5,000 participants.

The Brand Finance Global City Index ranks the world’s top 100 city brands based on measures including familiarity, reputation and consideration. The 2024 edition surveyed more than 15,000 respondents across 20 markets.

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