Dubai has climbed eight places to secure the 4th position globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, making it the top-ranked city in the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia.
This milestone underscores Dubai’s rapid progress in its smart city development and its strategic commitment to digital transformation.
Published by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, the index evaluates how cities use digital technology to improve quality of life across key areas such as health, mobility, governance, and opportunities.
Dubai’s leap in the rankings reflects its continued investment in AI in urban planning, citizen-focused digital services, and future-ready infrastructure.
Key smart city metrics
Dubai excelled in a wide range of indicators:
84.5/100 satisfaction for booking medical appointments online
86.5% confidence in internet speed
85.4% satisfaction with online ID processing
82.8% approval for healthcare services
83.4% satisfaction with access to green spaces
84.3% for recycling services
86.5% approval for cultural activities
The city improved in 16 of 20 technology indicators and advanced across all four pillars of technology governance, cementing its role as a global smart city leader.
RTA’s role in advancing mobility innovation
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), credited the success to strategic public-private collaboration. He highlighted RTA’s critical role in smart mobility, citing Dubai’s outperformance in:
Vehicle-sharing apps: 67.9% usage, 24.4% higher than top-ranked cities
Smart parking apps: 73.8% usage, 29.8% higher
Bicycle rental apps: 70% usage, 17.3% higher
RTA’s smart initiatives, including AI-powered traffic management, have reduced congestion by up to 25%. The authority is also implementing a Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, aiming to make 25% of all trips autonomous by 2030.
Its Digital Strategy 2023–2030, backed by Dhs 1.6 billion in investments, encompasses 82 digital projects, targeting 95% service digital adoption and 100% employee digital empowerment.
Dubai’s transformation is driven by coordinated efforts across key government entities:
Dubai Police, led by Lt. General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, highlighted the role of advanced digital infrastructure and AI-powered public safety in achieving the high ranking.
The Community Development Authority, under Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, emphasized inclusive access to digital services, aligning with Dubai’s social development goals.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, credited the success to strong public-private partnerships and Dubai’s commitment to simplifying life through digital innovation.
Dubai Culture, led by Hala Badri, noted the role of digital tools in fostering creativity, culture, and community wellbeing.
Dubai’s rise in the IMD Smart City Index 2025 reflects its success in placing people at the center of digital transformation. The achievement aligns with the emirate’s Dubai Digital Strategy, which seeks to fully digitize life in the city and position it among the top three global cities for living and economic opportunity.
With a resident-first approach and a strong focus on smart governance, AI integration, and sustainable development, Dubai continues to set a global benchmark for smart, inclusive, and tech-driven urban living.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
