Mercer’s Quality of Living survey findings are out for 2008 and Abu Dhabi and Dubai appear to have dropped in their ranking.In 2007 the only two UAE cities that were surveyed were Abu Dhabi and Dubai and they shared top spot for Middle Eastern cities and attained position 58 overall in the world rankings.
This year Dubai came in at 83 and Abu Dhabi at 87.
In 2008 European cities dominate the rankings of locations with the best quality of living, according to Mercer’s Quality of Living survey. Zurich retains its 2007 title as the highest ranked city, followed jointly by Vienna (2), Geneva (2), then Vancouver (4) and Auckland (5). Baghdad, ranking 215, retains its position at the bottom of the table.
High Safety Ranking
Abu Dhabi at 33 is the best city in the region (Middle East and Africa) for personal safety followed by Dubai at 47. This safety ranking is based on criteria including relationships with other countries, internal stability and crime and law enforcement.
Criteria
The Worldwide Quality of Living Survey, conducted by the human resources consultancy firm Mercer, is based on an evaluation of 39 criteria contributing to the overall livability of each city.
These indicators include:
* Political and social environment (political stability, crime, law enforcement, etc)
* Economic environment (currency exchange regulations, banking services, etc)
* Socio-cultural environment (censorship, limitations on personal freedom, etc)
* Health and sanitation (medical supplies and services, infectious diseases, sewage, waste disposal, air pollution, etc)
* Schools and education (standard and availability of international schools, etc)
* Public services and transportation (electricity, water, public transport, traffic congestion, etc)
* Recreation (restaurants, theatres, cinemas, sports and leisure, etc)
* Consumer goods (availability of food/daily consumption items, cars, etc)
* Housing (housing, household appliances, furniture, maintenance services, etc)
* Natural environment (climate, record of natural disasters)
Mercer’s Quality of Living survey covers 215 cities and is conducted primarily to help governments and major companies place employees on international assignments.
Source: Mercer’s 2008 Quality of Living Survey, 10 June 2008.
Dr. Geoff Pound
Image: A slice of Abu Dhabi from the air.
