Dubai ranks among the top 10 cities for business networking

With London topping the list

Dubai has secured a spot in the top 10 cities worldwide for business networking, according to a new study by Loopex Digital. The research evaluated various factors, including business events, co-working spaces, internet speed, and cost of living, placing Dubai as a notable contender in the global networking arena.

The study utilised data from various sources, including Numbeo, Speedtest.net, and Booking.com, analysing metrics such as business events, co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, internet speeds, and costs to determine each city’s final score.

#1 London

London is the premier city for business networking, boasting a composite score of 48.7. With over 12,000 business events and over 14,000 co-working spaces, the British capital offers unmatched opportunities for professionals to connect. Its high-speed internet and relatively affordable weekly costs of $343 further enhance its appeal as a networking hub.

#2 New York City

New York City follows closely, earning a composite score of 38.7. The US metropolis has an impressive 15,000 venues and hosts 12,000 business events annually. Despite a five-star hotel stay’s high average cost of $511, NYC remains a top destination for business professionals seeking connections.

#3 Sydney

Sydney, Australia, ranks third with a score of 30.1. Although it has fewer business venues than New York City, Sydney’s robust event calendar and reasonable weekly trip cost of $285 make it a valuable networking city.

#4 Singapore

Singapore is noted for its exceptional internet speed, ranking fourth with a composite score of 27.7. The city-state is beautiful for tech professionals, offering high-speed connectivity and competitive costs of $277 for a weekly stay.

#5 Paris

Paris, France, rounds out the top five with a score of 25.6. Known for hosting nearly 2,000 business events this year, Paris provides ample networking opportunities alongside its robust internet infrastructure.

#6 Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland, secures the sixth position with a composite score of 23.7. The city offers nearly 10,000 co-working spaces and 480 business events, with a weekly business trip costing around $412.

#7 Berlin

Berlin, Germany, comes in seventh with a score of 22.7. It benefits from a high volume of business events and a relatively low hotel cost of $143 per night.

#8 Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands, is in eighth place with a composite score of 22.2. The Dutch capital features more than 10,000 meeting rooms and boasts high-speed internet.

#9 Dubai

Despite being a late entry to the top 10, Dubai impresses with a composite score of 21.4. The city offers over 10,000 private offices and hosts nearly 500 business events. Its affordability is highlighted by the lowest average hotel price, at just $82 per night.

#10 Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand, completes the top ten with a score of 21.3. The city offers many co-working spaces and business events, with a weekly business trip costing an average of $273.

Loopex Digital’s spokesperson said: “It is inspiring to see professionals crossing borders to expand their networks and connect with like-minded individuals. Cities like London and New York City provide excellent platforms for networking while emerging hubs like Dubai show that global business connectivity is becoming increasingly accessible.”

Featured image: Intersec is one of many business networking events held annually in Dubai. Credit: Arnold Pinto