LONDON: Marrakech has been ranked seventh in a new list of 53 best cities in the world compiled by British event magazine Time Out.
Dubai (40), Abu Dhabi (45) and Doha (53) were other Arab cities that were praised for their offerings in nightlife, livability and practical issues such as walkability and sustainability.
The magazine’s annual rankings this year were the first since 2019, which did not revolve around resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead focusing on fun, adventure and practical frills in each city.
A view of the downtown skyline is seen from the Museum of the Future in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 23, 2022. (Reuters)
Time Out said it “put an extra load on the things that make cities great places to live as well as move around.”
It added: “This year our top cities are with thriving nightlife, amazing food and drink, and art, culture, and museums.
“We’ve highlighted spaces that aren’t boring or overly expensive or overrated, and we made sure our top picks score well for practical goods like walkability, good public transportation and safety, as well as durability. Huh “
The editors were infatuated with “community, creativity and belief in the future”, which prompted Marrakech to “get out of the pandemic with a new lease of life”.
Time Out spoke to local guides and experts to get a feel for what’s especially outstanding about each urban center.
Highlighting the new International Storytelling Festival in February, it said Marrakech attracted “big players like La Mamounia” who were “new forms of the game” after the pandemic.
Buildings are seen on the beach in Doha, Qatar. (Reuters)
The Moroccan cultural capital was described as “thriving”, with the magazine pointing to several exhibitions.
It said El-Fen began “the hottest Sunday music nights in town”, with visitors desperate to return.
Time Out said that Dubai has “everything you could want from a travel destination – from incredible restaurants and buzzing nightlife to some of the best shopping in the world and simply stunning beaches.”
It also pointed to its modernity and cleanliness, highlighting that 97 percent of locals say the city is clean.
Dubbed as the “City of Excellence”, Time Out pointed the emirate to the world’s tallest infinity pool, tallest building and largest man-made island. Dubai heard the phrase “go big or go home” and really took it to heart.
But while those “world’s largest” structures are stable, the city is nothing. A lively events scene has introduced the newly opened Museum of the Future, with Time Out recommending that you “commence your visit with a beach club crawl along the rapidly expanding Palm West Strip and a DJ set at the Electric Pawn Shop.” Follow.”
Time Out noted that the capital of the emirate, Abu Dhabi, is also the “unofficial capital of arts and culture” of the United Arab Emirates.
Pointing out that the city’s safety and cleanliness made it popular among expatriates, the magazine noted a constant stream of exciting things to do, “from state-of-the-art restaurant openings to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and major new museums. National History Museum Abu Dhabi.” Till,” “both are on the horizon.
Time Out Abu Dhabi local expert Heather Sichowski said the city “ranks among the least dirty, stressful and uncivilized. In short, it is an all-round comfortable and pleasant place to live and work.”
Like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Doha was praised alike for its cleanliness, but locals and expatriates have also embraced the Qatari capital’s stream of events and activities.
As Doha prepares to host this year’s FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of the world’s most popular sport, the city is promoting its local events for every taste and persuasion.
Time Out said: “There are so many great things to see and do here, whether you want to head to one of the city’s many cafes for breakfast (and we mean many, Doha’s coffee and cake culture). Well done), the arts venue from Al Saad Metro Station to the Katara Cultural Village, or public excursions to the bar after hours.
With a slower and less stressful pace of life, the city is gaining attention in its art scene.
The magazine said that from now until the turn of 2023, some 17 new exhibitions are expected to open, including an “immersive light installation from Pipilioti Rist at the National Museum of Qatar”, which it described as “particularly stunning”. has gone. has been described in.