The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index for 2024 is now out, and Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the most liveable city in the Middle East and Africa, showing improvements in the healthcare and education sectors. Dubai closely follows in second place, reflecting significant progress in these areas as well.
The global index evaluates 173 cities based on five criteria: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
The data reveals that, in the first quarter of 2024, Dubai had 5,020 licenced and operational healthcare facilities and 13,370 licenced doctors. In comparison, Abu Dhabi had 3,323 healthcare facilities during the same period, including 67 hospitals, 1,136 health centres, 765 clinics, 1,068 pharmacies, and 287 other healthcare establishments.
In education, Abu Dhabi had 459 schools, private, public, and mixed during the 2023-2024 academic year, while Dubai had 220 private schools. Both cities are committed to shaping future generations. Abu Dhabi’s diverse schools provide a range of educational opportunities, and Dubai’s private schools offer a dynamic learning environment.
Besides Abu Dhabi and Dubai, other Gulf Cooperation Council countries are gaining recognition for their improving liveability, with their cities making notable strides on the global stage. Kuwait City, Doha, and Bahrain have secured the 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions on the list.