Brand Finance, a global brand valuation consultancy, has highlighted in its study on the key role of Digital Dubai in reinforcing Dubai’s position among the world’s top five city brands, with a total brand value of nearly $272.29 billion (AED 1 trillion).
The study found that Digital Dubai contributed approximately $8.45 billion (AED 31 billion) to Dubai’s overall place brand value, helping the emirate advance from seventh to fifth place globally.
According to the report, Digital Dubai played a central role in boosting Dubai’s City Brand Strength Index, adding 1.9 points to reach a score of 86 out of 100. It also received an AA+ rating, placing it among the world’s leading digital government entities.
High trust, reputation, and performance of Digital Dubai
The study highlighted strong public confidence in Dubai’s digital ecosystem, with Digital Dubai scoring 8.4 out of 10 in both Trust and Reputation among residents and the business community.
Brand familiarity reached 92 percent, while its Brand Strength Index stood at 77.7 out of 100. It also recorded 8.1 in Benefit of Doubt and 7.9 in Engagement, reflecting strong user confidence and satisfaction.
Key areas of impact across Dubai’s global image
Digital Dubai significantly influenced multiple perception drivers, including:
Strengthening Dubai’s global city status (+15.3 points)
Enhancing its start-up and innovation reputation (+11.2 points)
Supporting future growth potential (+10.8 points)
Reducing bureaucracy (+10.6 points)
Improving openness and welcoming environment (+10.1 points)
Boosting quality of life (+9.7 points)
Advancing science and technology leadership (+9.2 points)
Strengthening trust in the emirate (+9.2 points)
Enhancing ease of doing business (+8.5 points)
The study pointed out that these factors reinforce Dubai’s global competitiveness and attractiveness for investors, businesses, and skilled professionals.
HE Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori Director General-Digital Dubai
“These results reflect an important dimension of Dubai’s ambitious vision that places digital transformation as a key pillar of sustainable development, quality of life, and the emirate’s global competitiveness. Today, the digital ecosystem is not merely a technology infrastructure or a collection of smart services. It has become an integral part of the experience of living, working and investing in Dubai, and a key driver of trust and a source of the emirate’s growing global appeal. Dubai’s position among the world’s strongest place brands is a testament to the success of its people-centered approach, underpinned by sustained investment in advanced, trusted digital infrastructure and seamless collaboration across government entities operating as one integrated ecosystem.”
Tariq Al Janahi, CEO of the Corporate Enablement Sector at Digital Dubai, said that, “Dubai’s digital ecosystem has become a key enabler of economic growth, innovation, and quality of life, contributing directly to the emirate’s position as one of the world’s leading digital cities. At Digital Dubai, we place great value on our institutional identity and strengthening the reputation of Dubai’s digital ecosystem.”
David Haigh, CEO and Chairman of Brand Finance, stated that, “The study’s findings reaffirm that trusted digital infrastructure has become a pivotal driver of a city’s reputation and global competitiveness, reinforcing Dubai’s outstanding performance in this area. Digital Dubai’s AA+ institutional brand strength rating, alongside its $8.45 billion (AED 31 billion) contribution to Dubai’s overall place brand value, demonstrates the tangible impact of the emirate’s investment in world-class digital government services designed around the needs of people.”
Brand Finance Global City Index
The Brand Finance Global City Index is one of the most comprehensive global studies on city brand perception, ranking the top 100 city brands worldwide.
The latest edition surveyed more than 15,000 respondents across 20 markets, measuring familiarity, reputation, and consideration across key dimensions including living, working, studying, visiting, and investing.
