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Dubai’s brand value has climbed to nearly Dh1 trillion, cementing the emirate’s position among the world’s most influential and competitive cities, according to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index.

The report ranks Dubai as the world’s fifth most powerful city brand, advancing from seventh place in the previous ranking. The improvement reflects stronger global perceptions of the emirate’s reputation, investment attractiveness, innovation ecosystem, and long-term growth prospects.

The study, based on surveys of more than 15,000 respondents across 20 international markets, evaluates cities on factors related to living, working, investing, and visiting.

Digital Dubai Drives Brand Growth

A significant contributor to Dubai’s rise has been the success of its digital transformation strategy, led by Digital Dubai.

According to the report, Digital Dubai contributed approximately Dh31 billion ($8.5 billion) to the emirate’s overall brand value and added 1.9 points to Dubai’s City Brand Strength Index (BSI), helping propel the city into the global top five rankings.

Dubai achieved an overall score of 86 out of 100 on the index, demonstrating strong performance across key metrics such as familiarity, reputation, and consideration.

Digital Dubai itself recorded impressive results, with brand familiarity reaching 92 per cent and a Brand Strength Index score of 77.7 out of 100. The entity also earned an AA+ rating, placing it among the world’s leading digital government organisations.

Strong Trust in Digital Infrastructure

The report highlighted growing confidence in Dubai’s digital ecosystem among residents, businesses, and investors.

Digital Dubai achieved scores of 8.4 out of 10 for both trust and reputation, reflecting widespread confidence in the emirate’s digital services, technological infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance model.

Industry analysts noted that digital transformation is increasingly becoming a critical factor in shaping the global reputation and competitiveness of cities, influencing investment decisions, business growth, and talent attraction.

Leadership Comments

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said the results demonstrate the vital role digital transformation plays in strengthening Dubai’s global competitiveness and attractiveness.

He noted that the emirate’s digital ecosystem has evolved beyond providing infrastructure and now forms an integral part of the experience of living, working, and investing in Dubai.

Al Mansoori added that Dubai’s rise among the world’s top city brands reflects a people-centric approach supported by continuous investment in integrated and advanced digital services.

Meanwhile, Tariq Al Janahi emphasized that Dubai’s digital ecosystem has become a key enabler of economic growth, innovation, and business development, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global digital city.

Global Recognition for Digital Governance

David Haigh stated that trusted digital infrastructure has become a major driver of a city’s reputation and international competitiveness.

He noted that Digital Dubai’s contribution highlights the measurable impact of investing in user-focused digital services that improve quality of life, streamline government interactions, and support economic development.

Strengthening Dubai’s Global Appeal

Beyond its direct economic contribution, Digital Dubai has played a significant role in enhancing global perceptions of the emirate as a centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.

The report found that Dubai’s digital ecosystem has strengthened perceptions of ease of doing business, reduced bureaucracy, supported startup growth, and reinforced the city’s reputation as an attractive destination for international talent and capital.

The latest ranking further underscores Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s leading digital economies and a preferred destination for business, tourism, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

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