Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Top Liveable Cities in the Middle East and Africa

Abu Dhabi and Dubai Top Livable Cities in the Middle East and Africa

As rightly depicted in the Global Livability Index by the EIU, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have again emerged as the most livable cities in Middle East and Africa, in 2024. This is a testament to a quality of life in these two cities places at the highest standards that never hitches on stability and quality healthcare, culture and environment, quality education, and standard infrastructure.

Aspect Details
Ranking in MEA Abu Dhabi: 1st
Dubai: 2nd
Safety Index Score Abu Dhabi: 88.2
Dubai: Ranked 5th globally
Healthcare Facilities (2024) Dubai: 5,020 facilities
Abu Dhabi: 3,323 facilities
Number of Schools Abu Dhabi: 459 schools
Dubai: 220 private schools
Key Factors Stability, Healthcare, Culture and Environment, Education, Infrastructure
Global Ranking Abu Dhabi: Ranked top in MEA
Dubai: Closely behind Abu Dhabi

Key Factors Contributing to High Livability

Stability and Safety: Security-wise, Abu Dhabi can be considered number one secure city in the world with Safety Index 88. 2 points and Dubai is on fifth position in the world. This high level of security is one of the reasons that many expatriates and businesses are inclined to these cities​.

Healthcare: Health care organization in both the cities is well developed and has been aspiring for growth in the future. According to the data in the first quarter of 2024, the number of licensed heath care centers in Dubai is 5020 and numbers of licensed doctors are 13370. Abu Dhabi also boasts a big and well-developed health-care infrastructure that currently consists of 3323 facilities which encompass hospitals, health centers and clinics and pharmacies.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Top Liveable Cities in the Middle East and Africa

Education: Education is also one of the major choices that both cities thrive at. On this aspect Abu Dhabi has 459 schools of both private, public and mixed schools and Dubai have 220 private schools. These cities provide many different opportunities for education from local to those aimed specifically at expatriates thus providing access to good education.

Cultural and Environmental Offerings: Both, Abu Dhabi and Dubai provide elaborate cultural visits with vigorous surroundings. As revealed in the detailed lists of World Cities, these cities boast of first-class museums and art festivals, mesmerizing natural and built environment attractions which contribute to improving the human life standards of the recorded urban populace.

Regional Influence and Economic Power

The major factors influencing the sustainability of the ever high livability of both Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai majorly stem from the UAE’s robust economic base. The GCC countries including the UAE are known today as rich economical countries that attract talent from all over the world and spend lots of money on infrastructures and public services. This economic prosperity Underpins further modernization and high levels of living in these cities.

The officials of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have continuously pursued their aim of providing the best quality of life to all inhabitants in the Middle East and Africa by being pioneers for all livable cities in the aforementioned regions. The progress that these cities have achieved in terms of healthcare facilities, education and others aspects that contribute to stability makes them ideal places for expatriate and investors, quality lifestyle.


Quiz: Abu Dhabi and Dubai – Top Liveable Cities

1. Which city is ranked first in the Middle East and Africa for liveability?





2. What are the five categories used in the Global Liveability Index?





3. How many healthcare facilities does Dubai have as of the first quarter of 2024?





4. What score did Abu Dhabi achieve on the Safety Index?





5. How many schools are there in Abu Dhabi?





Quiz created with information from 95dubai.com

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