Dubai: One of the world’s most liveable cities
Of all Dubai’s major infrastructure projects of the past 20 years, one truly epitomises the emirate’s efforts to position itself as a city for all people.
Launched in 2009, the Dubai Metro has gone on to become the backbone of the city’s public transport network. In the first half of 2025, the Metro recorded 143.9 million journeys, accounting for more than a third of the 395 million trips made using public transport, shared mobility and taxis in Dubai during the same period, according to Dubai Government data.
Dubai continues to invest billions of dollars in expanding and enhancing Metro services. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently broke ground on the Metro’s Blue Line, which will add 30km of rail services and 14 stations to the network. The line, which is set to open in 2029, will expand the Metro network to 131km and 78 stations when complete. It will serve some of Dubai’s fastest-growing districts and integrate with the Metro’s busy Red and Green lines.
Liveability rankings
Dubai consistently ranks among the Middle East & Africa’s most liveable cities. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2024, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were named MENA’s top two cities, with the EIU attributing “improvements in infrastructure, healthcare and education” to their impressive rankings in the survey.
In Mercer’s Quality of Living City Survey 2024, Dubai placed among the top 35% of cities globally, with Mercer praising the city’s modern infrastructure and diverse expatriate community.
Dubai is consistently recognised among the world’s leading expat destinations. In InterNations’ 2024 Expat City Report, the emirate ranked 10th worldwide, and UAE cities occupy the top three spots in the Expat Essentials Index for practicalities like administration and housing. Dubai also rated highly for its dynamic business environment and career opportunities provided to expat professionals.
Top tourism destination
The city’s global appeal is reflected in the consistent year-on-year (YoY) growth in international visitor arrivals. In 2024, the emirate welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors, eclipsing its previous record of 17.15 million set in 2023, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The growing popularity of Dubai as an expat destination is also reflected in its rapid population growth – which is projected to reach 5.8 million by 2040 – up from 4 million today.
Dubai’s long-term urban expansion is being shaped by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritises liveability in the form of transit-oriented development, new green spaces and 20-minute communities spread across the emirate.
Furthermore, the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually to the Emirates and boost tourism’s contribution to national GDP to AED450 billion (US$122bn).
Together, these frameworks are set to guide Dubai’s tourism and urban development and help it consolidate its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
