Dubai becomes 5th most powerful city brand globally with Dh1 trillion value
Digital ecosystem strengthens trust, innovation and global competitiveness
DUBAI – Dubai has strengthened its position among the world’s most powerful city brands, climbing to fifth place globally with a brand value approaching Dh1 trillion, according to a new study by global brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.
The report highlighted the significant contribution of Digital Dubai to this achievement, attributing approximately Dh31 billion of the emirate’s overall brand value to its impact. The study also awarded Digital Dubai an AA+ rating, placing it among the world’s leading digital government entities and underscoring the growing importance of digital transformation in shaping a city’s global reputation and competitiveness.
The findings show that Digital Dubai played a key role in boosting the emirate’s standing, helping lift Dubai from seventh to fifth place in the global rankings while contributing 1.9 points to the City Brand Strength Index.
Global standing
According to the study, Dubai achieved a score of 86 out of 100 on the City Brand Strength Index, reflecting strong performance across multiple measures of reputation, attractiveness and competitiveness.
Digital Dubai’s contribution of approximately Dh31 billion, equivalent to around $8.5 billion, was identified as a major factor behind the emirate’s improved ranking. The study noted that trusted digital infrastructure and integrated government services have become increasingly important drivers of a city’s global appeal.
The report also demonstrated how digital transformation has become deeply embedded in Dubai’s identity, extending beyond technology infrastructure to influence perceptions of quality of life, economic opportunity and ease of doing business.
Trust growth
One of the strongest findings from the study was the high level of confidence residents and businesses place in Dubai’s digital ecosystem.
Digital Dubai recorded scores of 8.4 out of 10 in both the Trust and Reputation indices among residents and the business community. These results indicate growing confidence in the emirate’s digital services and the broader quality of digital life available across Dubai.
The organisation also delivered strong results across several key institutional brand measures. Brand familiarity reached 92%, highlighting widespread awareness of its role and services. Its Brand Strength Index score stood at 77.7 out of 100, while the Benefit of Doubt indicator reached 8.1 out of 10 and Engagement scored 7.9 out of 10.
The study said these results reflect the increasing prominence of Dubai’s digital ecosystem and the strong levels of trust it enjoys across society and the business sector.
Leadership vision
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the results demonstrate the importance of digital transformation in supporting sustainable development, enhancing quality of life and strengthening Dubai’s international competitiveness.
He said the digital ecosystem is no longer simply a collection of smart services or technological infrastructure, but has become an integral part of the experience of living, working and investing in Dubai.
Al Mansoori noted that Dubai’s position among the world’s strongest city brands reflects a people-centred approach supported by continued investment in advanced and trusted digital infrastructure, alongside close collaboration between government entities operating as a unified ecosystem.
He added that the achievements reflect the vision of Dubai’s leadership, which has embraced innovation and digital transformation to improve lives, empower communities and strengthen economic growth, while reinforcing the emirate’s status as a destination for entrepreneurs, investors and skilled professionals.
Tariq Al Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Enablement Sector at Digital Dubai, described the emirate’s digital ecosystem as a key enabler of economic growth, innovation and quality of life.
He said Digital Dubai remains committed to strengthening the reputation of Dubai’s digital ecosystem and delivering integrated digital services that meet evolving societal needs while enhancing residents’ experiences.
Al Janahi added that the strong performance reflects the impact of collaboration across government entities in providing trusted, resilient and future-ready digital services that support Dubai’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Digital Dubai
The study found that Digital Dubai’s influence extends well beyond the delivery of digital government services, contributing directly to perceptions of innovation, trustworthiness, openness and efficiency.
Among its strongest areas of influence, Digital Dubai increased perceptions of Dubai as a globally significant city with strategic importance by 15.3 points. It also strengthened the emirate’s reputation as a hub for start-ups and innovation by 11.2 points and enhanced perceptions of future growth potential by 10.8 points.
The digital ecosystem also contributed to reducing perceptions of bureaucracy by 10.6 points, improving openness and welcoming attitudes by 10.1 points, and increasing views of quality of life by 9.7 points.
Additional gains were recorded in leadership in science and technology, trust in the emirate and ease of doing business, further reinforcing Dubai’s attractiveness to global businesses, investors and talent.
David Haigh, CEO and Chairman of Brand Finance, said the findings demonstrate how trusted digital infrastructure has become a crucial driver of reputation and competitiveness for modern cities.
He noted that Digital Dubai’s AA+ institutional brand strength rating and Dh31 billion contribution to Dubai’s overall place brand value illustrate the tangible returns generated by investment in world-class digital government services designed around people’s needs.
The research was based on responses from approximately 5,000 participants and forms part of the wider Brand Finance Global City Index, which surveyed more than 15,000 respondents across 20 international markets. The index evaluates the world’s top 100 city brands across measures including familiarity, reputation and consideration, with consideration covering factors such as living, working, studying, visiting and investing.