Dubai has solidified its position as a top global city for talent and connectivity, ranking first worldwide for ease of entry for talent in Kearney’s latest Global Cities Index.
Known for its forward-thinking immigration and expat policies, Dubai seeks to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to diversify and strengthen its economy. Ranked 24th worldwide in Kearney’s index, Dubai has prioritized ease of entry for years.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Dubai has claimed a place in top 25 of the Global Cities Index, underscoring its commitment to international business, innovation, and talent attraction. The nation has done well in recent years to put itself on the map as a major business hub.
Dubai’s continued prominence in the index reflects the UAE’s strategic focus on growth and digital transformation, which has been facilitated by comprehensive reforms in economic, legal, and social sectors.
The UAE as a whole has continually eased visa restrictions for skilled workers, with their 10-year golden visa being highly prized by businesses and expats from around the world. Rules that came into effect this year made it easier for visitors from a long list of countries to extend their stay by up to 120 days.
These policies have opened doors for foreign talent, making the UAE an increasingly attractive destination for expatriates from around the world. Much of those expats work in the tech industry, with Dubai the lead tech hub in the region and is home to hundreds of flourishing startups.
One of those is Dubai-based startup Ziina, a digital payments platform that just landed $22 million in Series A funding. Andrew Gold, the company’s cofounder, pointed to the thriving and growing tech market in the UAE, noting that great quality of life in Dubai makes it easier to attract talent.
As immigration policies in traditional Western hubs have grown increasingly restrictive, Dubai’s welcoming posture has allowed it to become a preferred destination for global talent. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi stood out alongside cities such as Singapore and Luxembourg in Kearney’s ‘ease of entry’ metric.
The UAE’s openness contrasts with the visa-related challenges that international talent faces in countries like the US and the UK. That has created a unique opportunity for Dubai to thrive as a premier destination for skilled professionals.
Dubai’s resilience amid macroeconomic and geopolitical trouble also reinforces its position as a top MENA city, with strong rankings in business activity and digital infrastructure. As other cities adapt to changing global dynamics, Dubai’s sustained focus on growth and innovation position it as a leading global city.
Outside of the Middle East, the top positions of Kearney’s index remained unchanged, with New York, London, Paris and Tokyo retaining the top four spots.
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