Dubai has been ranked the top city in the Middle East and North Africa for a second consecutive year in a new report judging cities across the world.
The emirate came fifth best in the world, with London taking spot, while New York, Paris and Tokyo made up the top four.
The Brand Finance Global City Index asked 15,000 respondents across 20 countries to take part in a survey offering their perceptions of cities around the world.
While Dubai ranked fifth overall, it topped the charts in the reputation category. The emirate's strong showing was praised by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
"We value every effort that has helped secure Dubai’s position as the top city in the Middle East and North Africa for the second consecutive year," said Sheikh Hamdan. "We also celebrate its rise into the ranks of the top five cities globally in a prominent international report that compares 100 leading city brands worldwide.
"This report captures people’s perceptions of quality of life and their views on opportunities for work, investment, education and retirement. Dubai ranks first globally as the most desired investment destination and leads in future growth expectations. It is a city that shapes the future that people around the world aspire to."
Abu Dhabi came 30th. The rest of the top 10 comprised of Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco and Amsterdam. Dubai also shot up 20 places to fourth place in this year's rankings in the remote working category.
"Its [Dubai's] strong and stable economy, ranked second globally, is underpinned by its strategic role as a hub for international trade, supported by world-class logistics infrastructure and its advantageous position bridging the East and West," read the report conducted by marketing consultancy Brand Finance. "This combination of factors positions Dubai as a compelling choice for residents, businesses and global investors alike."
Those who took part in the survey were asked to consider each city as a place to work both locally and remotely, invest, retire, study, live and visit.
WORLD RECORD FEES FOR GOALKEEPERS
1) Kepa Arrizabalaga, Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea (£72m)
2) Alisson, Roma to Liverpool (£67m)
3) Ederson, Benfica to Manchester City (£35m)
4) Gianluigi Buffon, Parma to Juventus (£33m)
5) Angelo Peruzzi, Inter Milan to Lazio (£15.7m
The specs
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
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UAE and Russia in numbers
UAE-Russia ties stretch back 48 years
Trade between the UAE and Russia reached Dh12.5 bn in 2018
More than 3,000 Russian companies are registered in the UAE
Around 40,000 Russians live in the UAE
The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE will increase to 12 percent to reach 1.6 million in 2023
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
