Doha, the capital city of Qatar, has been named the fourth most liveable city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to the Global Liveability Index 2024 released by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The city offers a safe and comfortable living environment, with low crime rates and a focus on modern infrastructure and innovation. Doha’s high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and educational opportunities contribute to its ranking as one of the top cities in the world for residents.
Vienna topped the Global Liveability Index with perfect scores in four out of five categories, followed by Copenhagen and Zurich. On the other end of the spectrum, Damascus and Tripoli were ranked as the least liveable cities in the survey. In the MENA region, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait City, Doha, and Manama were among the top cities, with Abu Dhabi leading the region with a score of 81.7 and a global ranking of 76.
The GCC region has been investing in social infrastructure and economic diversification, with the World Bank forecasting strong economic growth in the coming years. Western Europe remains the most liveable region, with North America excelling in the education category. Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the MENA region have also shown improvements in liveability scores, with healthcare and education sectors making progress.
Despite the overall increase in liveability scores across the 173 cities surveyed, some regions continue to face challenges. Europe has seen a decline in stability scores due to increased protests, while many countries are dealing with a cost-of-living crisis, particularly in housing costs. Australia and Canada are experiencing shortages in rental properties, leading to rising prices and anti-immigration sentiments.
The Global Liveability Index 2024 sheds light on the factors that contribute to a city’s quality of life, from consistent excellence in cities like Vienna to the challenges faced by others. The report highlights the complexity of urban quality of life and provides valuable insights for residents, policymakers, and urban planners. Doha’s ranking as the fourth most liveable city in the MENA region reflects its commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and innovative living environment for its residents.
