Dubai has leapt eight spots to secure 4th place in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, emerging as the highest-ranked city in the GCC, Arab world, and Asia. The ranking highlights Dubai’s rapid digital transformation and its status as a global smart city leader.
The Index, compiled by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, evaluates how effectively cities use digital technologies to improve quality of life. Dubai’s rise reflects strong public satisfaction across key areas like internet speed (86.5%), online medical appointments (84.5%), cultural activities (86.5%), and green space access (83.4%).
Dubai advanced in 16 out of 20 technology indicators, showing notable progress across health, mobility, governance, and public services. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) played a key role, outperforming global cities like Zurich and Oslo in smart mobility services. For example, Dubai’s bicycle rental app usage hit 70%, far ahead of its top-ranked peers.
RTA’s AI-driven traffic systems have cut congestion by up to 25%, and a roadmap is underway to make 25% of all city trips autonomous by 2030. Its Digital Strategy 2023–2030 includes 82 initiatives and AED1.6 billion in investment to boost smart mobility and services.
Dubai Police, Digital Dubai, and the Community Development Authority also credited the city’s success to deep collaboration and a resident-first approach. Leaders across sectors emphasized that Dubai’s smart transformation is driven by a commitment to well-being, sustainability, and global innovation leadership.
