Are UAE inhabitants’ content? This subject was addressed in a recent research titled ‘Cities of Choice: Are People Happy Where They Live?’, in which both Dubai and Abu Dhabi were placed among the best cities in the world. Dubai ranked first in the ‘Social Capital’ dimension of the ‘Cities of Choice’ study conducted by the US-based Boston Consulting Group, ahead of Washington, Singapore, San Francisco, Guangzhou, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta, Barcelona, and Berlin, among those classified as ‘cruiser weight’ cities with populations greater than 3 million but less than 10 million.
Dubai received a score of 74 out of 100, suggesting that citizens have a strong feeling of belonging and loyalty to their city and maintain important social interactions. The level of social bonds and community participation within a city is measured by social capital. It also addresses social relationships, inclusion, equality, cultural and historical identity, and safety. According to Vladislav Boutenko, a BCG managing director and senior partner and study co-author, the analysis looks into the details of how a city operates best—or doesn’t. He went on to say that relocation is simpler than ever before, and the key for city officials is to figure out what makes their inhabitants happy so that they can keep current residents and attract new ones.
Dubai also received a high score in the ‘Economic Opportunities’ component (71 out of 100), suggesting that the city “provides a very favourable environment for firms and entrepreneurs to develop.” Additional good characteristics include “job, career, and earning prospects, equality of income chances for business, and the availability of personal loans.” The study, which included more than 50,000 people from 79 places throughout the world, also included questions about quality of life, interactions with authorities, and the rate of change. Dubai came in eighth in the list of ‘cruiser weight cities,’ after Washington, Singapore, San Francisco, Guangzhou, Madrid, Boston, and Seattle.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi was classified as a medium-sized city with a population of less than 3 million people. For its “business-friendly climate that supports innovation and entrepreneurship,” the Capital received a score of 73 out of 100 in the ‘Economic Opportunities’ criterion. Abu Dhabi’s ambitious investments in technology, renewable energy, and tourism have drawn both domestic and international investors.
