Tel Aviv beach. Photo: wiki commons.

Tel Aviv is competing for the title of “World’s Most Innovative City” in an online survey conducted by the Wall Street Journaland Citibank.

Tel Aviv, Israel’s second largest city and largest metropolitan area, was selected for its strength in technology and research.

According to the website, Tel Aviv, also known as the White City, “has been honored by UNESCO as an example of modern architecture and town planning.” The profile also noted that Tel Aviv University and CA Technologies are partnering to build a multi-million dollar innovation center.

“I am proud that Tel Aviv has been chosen to run against the leading cities in the world; cities that have created the DNA for high tech and innovative leadership,” Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said, according to Israel Hayom.

Tel Aviv is the only Middle Eastern city competing out of the 25. Other cities include San Francisco, London, New York, Shanghai, Sao Paulo and Singapore.