There is a select bunch of locations that traditionally spring to mind when the phrase ‘major cities’ or even the word ‘metropolis’ is uttered. New York, London, Paris, Tokyo – there is something about these cities that captures people’s imaginations. This could be a result of their landmarks, their entertainment services, their nightlife, or their cultural or even sporting heritage. However, there are always new cities keen to join that elite group by making strides in key areas.
Here is a look at three up-and-coming cities that could soon be mentioned in the same breath as New York and Paris.
Incheon
Incheon isn’t inching its way into the future; it’s getting there in leaps and bounds. It may only be South Korea’s third-most-populous city (behind capital Seoul, and Busan), but Incheon has been a hub of forward thinking for several years. This coastal city enjoys the natural benefit of being a port, which provides permanent commercial opportunities. Its proximity to the sea also gives Incheon an advantage over landlocked cities, as it can accommodate coastal activities and provide stunning views over the water.
Incheon is also renowned for its modern and efficient international airport, so the city has excellent transport links that can help to attract trade and tourism. The Incheon Free Economic Zone was established to further provide a platform for business development and foreign integration. Songdo is one of the three regions in the IFEZ, working as a self-contained city within Incheon, with an emphasis on sustainable living and futuristic conveniences.
Jumeirah
Another place where you can find cities within cities is Dubai, with the residential area of Jumeirah its own self-sustaining community. The City Walk development takes that concept to the next level as a modern self-contained residential area within Jumeirah. Residents can easily access the range of luxurious retail and entertainment options that are associated with wider Dubai while living just a short journey away from both a beach and the city’s business hubs.
This has made Jumeirah increasingly popular with foreigners moving into the United Arab Emirates. Jumeirah also boasts several of the biggest attractions for tourists in the country, from the Jumeirah Beach to the jaw-dropping architecture that can be found in the area. This includes the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Stunning beaches and buildings never lose their appeal, so Jumeirah has a strong platform for further growth.
Lagos
Research reported by the BBC in October 2019 revealed that Lagos ranks among the fastest-growing cities in the world, with more and more people flocking to Nigeria’s commercial and entertainment centre. Lagos is another port city, which demonstrates that even the world’s increasing reliance on air travel cannot diminish the importance of trade by water and the opportunities it brings.
Lagos boasts a vibrant and varied nightlife. Music plays a massive part in this, with genres like hip hop and afrobeat flourishing in the city. Lagos is also the home of ‘Nollywood’, where many of the continent’s biggest movies emerge from. Such a strong presence for music and film means that wealthy individuals and companies will carry on settling down in Lagos, while its impressive trade links ensure that the city keeps growing.
Whether you’re looking for business or for leisure, these three up-and-coming cites would be good places to start considering. The opportunities they bring are enticing, while their up-and-coming status means they have marked benefits over cities already acknowledged as major across the world.
