KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur has been ranked 50th in the World’s Best Cities 2026 report by Resonance Consultancy, highlighting the capital city’s economic strength and the emergence of landmarks and the expansion of business hubs.
The report features 270 cities worldwide, assessed across 34 key indicators.
Kuala Lumpur’s 50th position is driven by its achievement in the Top 5 Labour Force Participation, the expansion of business hubs such as the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), and the development of new landmarks, including the Merdeka Tower 118 and luxury hotels, which enhance its infrastructure and global appeal.
In addition to Labour Force Participation and Living Standards, the city’s position also reflects the modernisation of the Bukit Bintang City Centre area around LaLaport and Zepp concert halls, as well as the multi-billion dollar “River of Life” programme aimed at restoring the Gombak and Klang rivers.
London, meanwhile, remains at the top for the 11th consecutive year, taking first place in terms of prosperity, charm, and liveability.
It also leads in the number of airports and large companies, with the report highlighting London’s changing urban landscape, new skyscrapers and its continued ability to attract tourists, students and entrepreneurs.
New York, the ‘city that never sleeps’ and the heart of America, is in second place. It is a leader in Google Trends and has shown strong performance in corporate investment.
Paris, which dazzles with its museums and cultural influence, is in third place and Tokyo, in fourth place.
Madrid moves up to fifth place, overtaking Singapore in sixth place. Madrid is ranked for its ‘nightlife’, an initiative of green and urban regeneration.
In seventh place is Rome, while Dubai, re-entering the top 10 list, is at eighth position, while Berlin is ninth, and Barcelona is at 10th position.
Australia’s Sydney has dropped out of the top 10. – November 27, 2025