Dubai is top of the league in the Middle East Cities of the Future ranking by fDi magazine, scoring highest points for economic potential, business friendliness, infrastructure and quality of life.

Dubai scored 471 amongst 20 cities in the region evaluated, with Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Riyadh and Ras Al Khaimah in the next five places, respectively.

Produced by the Financial Times group, fDi is the premier publication for the business of globalisation, and is regarded as the single most trusted source of information for companies involved with international expansion.

The Middle East Cities of the Future were ranked according to 76 criteria listed under Economic Potential, Business Friendliness, Tax '&' Other Costs, Human Resources, Quality of Life, Infrastructure and Foreign Direct Investment. Dubai ranked highest in four of these categories.

The result for Dubai is based on an evaluation of 76 parameters that, in essence, cover the entire aspects of the economy.
 
Dubai is very investor-friendly and enjoys a strategic location. The recognition as a leading destination by fDi magazine reinforces our commitment to ensure that our international partners realize and experience the competitive advantages offered by the Emirate.

The Economic Potential category, in which Dubai topped the list, evaluated parameters such as 2009 GDP growth forecast, National GDP, economic initiatives, inflation, cash surplus, high-tech exports, industrial production growth and growth of urban population.