Dubai: A Global Gem
It’s official—Dubai is recognized as one of the finest cities in the world! An official ranking by the global headquarters of Time Out has placed Dubai in the top 25 cities worldwide. This ranking comes after a comprehensive survey conducted among Time Out editors and local experts, examining various factors from culinary delights to the overall ambiance of the city.
In total, over 18,500 city experts shared their insights on what makes their locations truly livable, taking into account affordability, happiness, nightlife, and much more. The results revealed that residents of Dubai were notably inclined to describe their city as ‘modern’, the second most likely to label it as ‘safe’, and ranked it as the fourth happiest city overall. Additionally, Dubai secured a spot as the fifth-best city for dining and quality of life.
From these findings, Dubai has achieved an impressive rank of 24th among the best cities in the world, climbing four positions from its previous ranking in 2024. The emirate stands proudly between Berlin and Singapore, while Cape Town has taken the top honor. Notably, the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, also made it to the top 50, coming in at 46th place.
Why Dubai Shines Brightly
It’s easy to see why Dubai has earned such high accolades. The city is home to iconic landmarks, including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which ensures it remains a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. However, Dubai offers much more than just its skyline. It boasts some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, such as the opulent Burj Al Arab, the record-breaking One Za’beel, and the stunning Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm, located on the breathtaking man-made island of Palm Jumeirah.
The city enjoys sunny weather year-round, making it a paradise for pool parties, brunches, and vibrant beach clubs that keep the energy alive. Dubai also hosts an array of music festivals and concerts, with notable acts like Green Day performing at the expansive Expo City venue.
Speaking of festivals, Dubai’s love for celebrations extends to city-wide events dedicated to bargains, drawing crowds during summer and winter seasons. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse expatriate community enjoying the benefits of a tax-free lifestyle. This cultural richness is vividly reflected in Dubai’s thriving food scene.
- Third-Culture Cuisine: Visitors are often tempted to indulge in dishes created by celebrity chefs, which are undeniably excellent. However, the true essence of Dubai’s culinary landscape lies in ‘third-culture cuisine’, where chefs blend elements from their diverse backgrounds to create unique flavors. Exemplary establishments like Little Jun’s and Mattar at Time Out Market Dubai showcase this fusion obsession.
While locals often voice their frustrations about traffic, the situation is set to improve significantly in the coming years. The city’s metro system is rapidly expanding, and there are ambitious plans for flying taxis to take off as early as 2026.
If you’re contemplating a visit soon, you are in good company, as Dubai International Airport is renowned for being the world’s busiest international airport. Plans are also in motion for a massive expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to be five times larger than Dubai International Airport.
Discover More About Dubai
- 32 Must-Try Budget Restaurants: Expert-approved cheap eats in town.
- 20 Stunning Images of Dubai’s Transformation: A visual journey from the 1950s to the present day.
- 112 Best Things to Experience in Dubai by 2025: Essential activities to add to your Dubai bucket list.