Kuala Lumpur perfectly blends tradition with modern innovation, creating one of the most dynamic cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Ranking #4 in our Labor Force Participation subcategory and #12 in our overall Prosperity index, KL’s economy thrives on its booming financial and tech sectors, which continue to attract global talent. Major commercial hubs such as KL Sentral and Bangsar South showcase the city’s growth, housing numerous multinational corporations and start-ups. The city made global news in 2024 with the opening of the second-tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The 118-story Merdeka 118 Tower boasts luxury accommodations and an observation deck offering breathtaking views of the city. KL is also a multiculturalism dynamo, and the city’s rich mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences serve up a vibrant food scene, with street food like nasi lemak and char kway teow coexisting alongside world-class dining options. This diversity extends to the city’s thriving hospitality sector, with the opening in 2022 of the Bukit Bintang City Centre—a sprawling mixed-use development featuring high-end retail, hotels and entertainment venues—and the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in 2025.
Kuala Lumpur’s visionary urban development and strategic investments continue to blend luxury, culture and innovation. The city is enhancing its green infrastructure with the River of Life project, an ambitious effort to clean and revitalize the Klang and Gombak rivers. Slated for completion in 2026, this initiative will create pedestrian-friendly walkways, lush riverside parks and cultural hubs, transforming once-neglected areas into vibrant public spaces. With an already impressive #6 Tree Cover ranking, this verdant city continues to go all in on its natural attributes. Meanwhile, the Saloma Link Bridge, connecting Kampung Baru to the city center, has quickly become an iconic night-time attraction with its illuminated, futuristic design.
In hospitality, the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, opening in 2025 within the Merdeka 118 Tower, promises to redefine luxury with unparalleled views and opulent amenities. Additionally, the Fairmont Kuala Lumpur, set to open in 2026, will offer refined accommodations and add to the city’s growing portfolio of five-star hotels. These developments complement the ongoing expansion of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (already ranking an impressive #14), which aims to boost passenger capacity and streamline travel with cutting-edge technology by 2025.