this ranking uses illustrative numbers, not real data · 5 of 6 rankings use real data so far
which cities are rising, and which are fading
50 cities, six rankings, measured the same way everywhere. No surveys. No paid places.
Where activity is growing fastest
Growth in night-time light, 2014 to 2025. A proxy for economic activity, not GDP. · Estimate
- 12 Riyadh Saudi Arabia 121% ↓ 2
- 18 Dubai UAE 109% ↓ 2
- 29 Tehran Iran 57% ↑ 6
- 34 Baghdad Iraq 33% ↑ 3
- 35 Cairo Egypt 32% ↑ 1
Source: NASA Black Marble · 2025 data · arrows show rank change vs last year.
Measured, never opinion · every number traceable · nobody can buy a rank.
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