Dubai recently updated its city brand. However, a new research shows that the old one did a pretty good job. According to a joint study between Guardian and Saffron, Dubai’s city brand ranks among the world’s top 10 best city brands.
The ranking is based on two main factors. The first is the city’s media and social media buzz. In other words, the mentions each of them received on social networks, TVs, radios and etc. the second factor was the so-called assets of the cities. These included things like infrastructure, economy, attractions, safety, as well as climate.
Dubai is listed at the 10th position. According to the study, the city’s brand manages to attract a huge number of tourists every year. In addition, it explains that by 2016, the amount of international tourists in Dubai is expected to surpass that in New York. By 2017, Dubai might even start to welcome more visitors than Paris. Nevertheless, the report states that, apart from its shopping malls and high buildings, the city does not offer much activities for travellers.
Abu Dhabi can also be spotted on the list. The city’s brand ranks 34th. It has a better score than Vienna, Venice and Copenhagen.
The Cities Global Brand Survey is topped by Los Angeles. However, if you think about it, you will be able to see the logic in this. L.A. has sunnier weather than London and New York. Also, it has Hollywood and decreasing crime rate. In addition, over the last few years, it has turned into one of the world’s main art hubs.
Los Angeles is followed by New York (2) and London (3). That is quite expected. Both cities have their pros and cons, but both have remained in among the city brand leaders for many years now.
More eastern countries also have a strong presence on the list. However, Tokyo is way back at the 28th place. According to the research, the city continues to remain quite closed for tourists, simply because foreigners find it hard to understand city’s culture and people. Singapore (14) and Seoul (5), on the other hand, are viewed by travellers as more global destinations. That is why there are said to be more preferred by tourists and expats.
The study also picked Mecca and Mumbai as cities to watch for. Mecca is 21st in the ranking, while Mumbai is comfortably sitting at the 19th position. The report has found that Mecca is enjoying a rising popularity, despite its hot weather. Mumbai, on the other hand, offers good economic opportunities, even though its infrastructure is rather poor.
As for cities in Europe, they have scored surprisingly low on the list. London (3), Paris (4) and Barcelona (5) are the only European representatives that can be seen among the best ten. Others, including Venice, dominate the bottom of the ranking.
Best city brands in 2014:
- Los Angeles
- New York
- London
- Paris
- Seoul
- Barcelona
- Rio de Janeiro
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- Dubai
- 34. Abu Dhabi
