Dubai tops the list of cities with the brightest future, followed by the two North American cities of Calgary and Denver, according to nearly 8,000 oil and gas professionals responding to a major survey.

"The amount of planned investment in oil and gas industry projects worldwide creates vibrant, long-term opportunities in many global destinations," said Paul Caplan, president of Rigzone, a leading portal for oil and gas information, data and talent recruitment, which conducted the survey.

"Work-life balance continues to be a dominant theme.  Energy professionals know there's a lot of hours put in, but there are just as many opportunities for extended time off.  Add in higher than average compensation and energy professionals have the time and the means to enjoy diverse, rich cultures found in some of world's most exotic locations."

Top 10 energy cities

1. Dubai: Home to some of the world's largest oil and natural gas reserves, Dubai has expatriates hailing from Bangladesh to Egypt to the US.  The wealth generated from the energy industry has spurred a business-friendly, economically diversified city.

2. Calgary: This west Canadian city has benefited from the riches of Alberta's oil and gas reserves. By 2025, more than five percent of global oil production is expected to originate in Western Canada, putting this energy capital's brighter days ahead.

3. Denver: While gold mining brought the first settlers to this city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it's the unconventional resource discoveries that keep the oil and gas industry expanding here today.  The energy industry employs more than 44,000 people in the Denver area and Colorado ranked tenth in fossil fuel energy jobs.

4. Singapore: Playing a significant role in international trade, oil and gas has been a core component in Singapore's economy since oil trading began in 1891. The Singapore Economic Development Board reports proudly that this city is the largest manufacturer of jackups in the world.

5. Jakarta: Primary energy consumption in this Indonesian city has grown by more than 50 percent during the last decade. With more than 60 sedimentary basins, an under-explored eastern region that shows strong potential for hydrocarbons, and with contractors slated to invest more into production and exploration, the city has many opportunities in the future.

6. Perth: Though considered a remote area by location, the impact of the oil and gas industry is evidenced by the expanding local economy and growth of this Western Australian city. Perth is experiencing a boom in population, up 3.4 percent in 2012.

7. Rio de Janeiro: Increasing domestic oil production has long been a goal of the Brazilian government and the effects of which can be seen in this energy hub. The resource-rich economy and growing oil and gas sector has led to businesses opening offices in Rio, sending opportunities and office rents skyrocketing.

8. Mumbai: The center of business and oil and gas industries, this Indian city is the fourth most populous in the world. The availability of gas, including imported LNG, is expected to intensify in the country and the government announced plans to unveil its shale gas policy this year to exploit unconventional resources.

9. Kuala Lumpur:  The capital of Malaysia serves as a commercial and industrial hub to the country. The skyline is dominated by the famous Petronas Towers, headquarters of the country's national oil company. Petronas announced earlier this year it will place renewed focus on domestic exploration.

10. Cairo: The largest city in Africa and one of the most densely populated places in the world, this capital city serves as the headquarters to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, which supervises all oil and gas activities in Egypt.

Rigzone is hosting a recruitment event during the Offshore Technology Conference from May 6 to 9 at the Reliant Center in Houston. Hiring managers from the US, Australia, Malaysia, Paris, Spain, Abu Dhabi, the UK and Italy will be meeting with oil and gas professionals at the event. – TradeArabia News Service