Dubai has ranked first in the Arab world and fifth globally in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2021, issued by the Institute for Urban Strategies at the Mori Memorial Foundation in Japan.
The cultural interaction criterion of GPCI measures the performance of cities in terms of leadership, tourist attractions, the number of cultural facilities and the availability of visitors’ amenities and communication.
Commenting on the achievement, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the emirate’s ranking in the GPCI indicates the dynamism and vibrancy of Dubai’s cultural environment that rivals the world’s biggest metropolises.
Dubai jumped from 17th place overall in 2020 to 14th in the GPCI 2021 that ranks over 40 major cities in terms of their ‘magnetism’, which is their overall power to attract creative individuals and enterprises from around the world.
Dubai was also ranked the highest in the Arab world in the Economy criterion of the Index, the emirate was placed ahead of major global cities like Seoul, Madrid, Vienna and Helsinki. The GPCI rates cities based on 70 indicators that measure six functions including economy, research and development (R&D), cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince – Dubai Chairman – Dubai Executive Council
“The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have been instrumental in the development of a unique cultural community in Dubai whose creative potential is set to unfold further in exciting new ways in the coming years. Dubai continues to achieve higher levels of excellence and set an example for the region and the world in unlocking the highest human potential, in the process contributing to shaping a glorious future for the entire globe.”
The cosmopolitan nature of Dubai and its rich creative ambiance is the result of the Dubai government’s investment in developing its cultural economy. The city offers an environment that nurtures both local talent and the brightest creative minds from across the world.
HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, said “Dubai has achieved a new milestone in its cultural development journey that reflects the priority it gives to human values and the creation of an inclusive environment.”
Despite the challenges arising from the pandemic, Dubai Culture is pursuing innovative ways to advance cultural and creative development, supported by a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. As a result, Dubai, is constantly strengthening its position as an ideal place to live and work, and a preferred destination for visitors from all over the world.
Dubai Culture, as one of the main players driving the development of the UAE’s soft power and creative economy, is committed to boosting awareness of the emirate’s cultural heritage to the world and highlighting the ‘Made in Dubai’ brand by promoting and supplying local creative products globally. These efforts play a key role in strengthening the emirate’s cultural identity as a resilient city capable of facing all challenges.
