DUBAI: Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been ranked as the most liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa, with both improving their scores in healthcare and education, according to the 2024 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Abu Dhabi secured the top spot in the region, with Dubai close behind in second place, reflecting significant progress in these key areas, Emirates News Agency reported.

According to Numbeo’s “Crime and Safety Indexes,” Abu Dhabi is also ranked as one of the safest cities globally, achieving first place on the Safety Index with a score of 88.2 points, and recording the lowest score on the Crime Index at 11.8 points. 

Dubai ranked fifth globally on the list of the world's safest cities.

In healthcare, a report from the Dubai Health Authority revealed that the total number of licensed and operational healthcare facilities in Dubai reached 5,020 during the first quarter of 2024, with 13,370 licensed doctors. 

In Abu Dhabi, the number of healthcare facilities stood at 3,323 during the same period, including 67 hospitals, 1,136 health centres, 765 clinics, 1,068 pharmacies, and 287 other healthcare establishments. By the end of 2022, Abu Dhabi had 12,922 licensed doctors.

In education, Abu Dhabi hosted 459 schools, encompassing private, public, and mixed institutions, during the 2023-2024 academic year, while Dubai had 220 private schools.

The Global Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities worldwide across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. 

Eight of the top 10 cities in the region were from Gulf countries, reflecting their growing stability and influence on the global stage. Among these were Kuwait City, Doha, and Bahrain’s Manama, ranking third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.