The IMD Smart City Index has placed Dubai in 4th position because of its advanced spots, reflecting an important achievement towards its digital transformation.
Dubai ranks as the top city in the GCC, solidifying its position as a global leader in smart city development and innovation. This demonstrates its leadership in the smart city solutions and cutting-edge city solutions.
Dubai recorded an impressive performance across key metrics in the Smart City Index 2025. This includes:
- Online medical appointment booked, recorded 84.5 satisfaction score
- 86.5% for cultural activities
- 86.5% confidence in the Internet for communication needs
- Digital ID processing achieved a score of 85.4%
- 82.8% for top-class health services
- 83.4% happy with access to green spaces
- 84.3% are satisfied with recycling programs
As per the report, Dubai made progress in 16 out of 20 tech areas and improved all four areas of technology management, highlighting its strong commitment to innovation and smart city growth.
Developed by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, the IMD Smart City Index is an internationally recognised tool that measures how cities are using technology to improve urban living. Currently, in its sixth year, Index examines various factors such as health, activities, mobility, governance and opportunities. The findings of the Index are based on feedback from the residents.
Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Mattar Al Tayer, said, “Dubai secured the fourth place in the 2025 Smart City Index, issued by the Institute for Management Development (IMD), shows how the collaboration between government entities and private sectors have worked together in transforming Dubai into world smartest city.
“This milestone exemplifies Dubai’s ongoing dedication to using cutting-edge technologies to improve services, improve quality of life and enhance the well-being and happiness of its residents.”
Al Tayer added, “RTA supports the government’s smart transformation efforts and has contributed to securing this prestigious global ranking for Dubai in the Smart City Index, demonstrating better performance than the transport sectors of the top three cities: Zurich, Oslo and Geneva. This achievement was fueled by outstanding performance in three areas of mobility: A usage of 67.9% in the vehicle sharing app, exceeding top cities by 24.4%, smart parking search apps recorded a 73.8% usage, surpassing them by 29.8% and bicycle renting apps hit 70%, outperforming them by 17.3%.”
Al Tayer highlighted a significant contribution of RTA in reinforcing Dubai’s ranking in the Smart City Index by improving digital infrastructure and providing innovative services that address the changing needs of residents and visitors.
Al Tayer said that RTA has recently launched its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2030, which is designed to reinforce its global position in AI-powered mobility. The strategy aims to develop a smart and well-connected system designed to improve the quality of life for all residents.
According to him, the strategy includes 81 projects and initiatives spanning key pillars: customer happiness, promoting smart and efficient mobility, smart traffic control, digital licensing, ensuring future readiness and asset management excellence.
Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, said, “Dubai’s climb to fourth place worldwide in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, along with its leading rank in the GCC, the Arab world and Asia, showcases a major success. This achievement underscores the Emirate’s strong commitment to implementing best global practices in AI, cutting-edge technology and digital transformation. It further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leader in digital transformation and long-term security. This is made possible through strong collaboration among government bodies and the private sector in line with Dubai’s strategic vision.”
Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai said that success showcases the leadership’s strong commitment to placing quality of life at the core in all development projects. The authority continues to use state-of-the-art technologies to empower residents and ensure that every member of society can access services and opportunities.
She further said, “City’s improved ranking in IMD Smart City Index reflects its comprehensive digital transformation strategy, with a focus on improving quality of life. This strategy is in line with Dubai’s social goals, which aim to enhance personal well-being and define progress through improvements in daily life.”
Director-General of Digital Dubai, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, said, “The IMD Smart City Index is not just a ranking; it reflects residents’ views on the impact of digital technologies in their daily life. This milestone is the result of a city-wide commitment to excellence, agility and innovation. This progress is a result of close teamwork between the government and private partners, and by the passion of our teams in fulfilling the leadership’s strategic vision”
He added, “Digital Dubai, in close coordination with government entities, is committed to fostering innovation and leadership, making life easier for people and businesses while also boosting our economy by adopting innovative tech solutions. Under the guidance of our visionary leadership, we continue our efforts to shape Dubai’s future as a symbol of hope, happiness and opportunity”
Remember that, The IMD Smart City Index report, issued by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, is a globally recognised analytical tool that assesses how effectively cities use digital technologies to enhance residents’ quality of life.
This residents-centred approach is in line with the city’s vision of becoming the world’s top destination for living and working, where technology bridges the gaps to better well-being, new opportunities and long-term growth for all.
