Dubai has climbed eight places to rank as the world’s fourth smartest city in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, strengthening its position as the top-ranked smart city across the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia.
The ranking reflects Dubai’s accelerating digital transformation efforts and its continued investment in smart infrastructure, AI, and citizen-focused digital services. According to the report, residents gave strong satisfaction scores across several digital and quality-of-life indicators, including:
- 84.5/100 satisfaction for online medical appointment booking
- 86.5% confidence in internet speed and connectivity
- 85.4% satisfaction with online ID and document processing
- 82.8% approval for healthcare quality
- 83.4% satisfaction with access to green spaces
- 84.3% for recycling services
- 86.5% for cultural activities
Dubai also improved in 16 out of 20 technology indicators and advanced across all four governance pillars evaluated by the IMD report.
The IMD Smart City Index, published annually by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, measures how cities leverage technology to improve urban living, mobility, governance, opportunities, and public services through direct resident feedback.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, described the achievement as a reflection of strong collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
He highlighted Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility, noting that the city outperformed even top-ranked cities such as Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva across several transportation technology categories.
According to Al Tayer:
- Vehicle-sharing app usage reached 67.9%
- Smart parking applications recorded 73.8% usage
- Bicycle rental app adoption reached 70%
He also stated that AI-powered traffic management systems and big data integration have helped reduce traffic congestion by up to 25%.
The RTA continues to roll out its Digital Strategy 2023–2030, which includes 82 projects and initiatives backed by AED1.6 billion in investments. The strategy focuses on AI adoption, fintech-enabled mobility, digital infrastructure, and smart city services.
Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri said the ranking demonstrates Dubai’s rapid adoption of AI, advanced technologies, and sustainable digital security systems, while Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori emphasized that the ranking reflects how residents experience the practical benefits of technology in their daily lives.
Hala Badri added that Dubai’s smart infrastructure supports the emirate’s long-term sustainability vision and enhances its attractiveness as a global destination to live, work, and invest.
Source: Entrepreneur Middle East
