Dubai Ranks 4th in the IMD Smart City Index 2025: A Digital Transformation Milestone

Dubai recently achieved an impressive 4th position in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, an impressive milestone reflecting the ambitions of the city to develop and digitize. It not only places Dubai at the forefront of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cities but classifies it as a leading smart city globally.

The IMD Smart City Index, created by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, is an established framework for measuring the extent to which cities use technology to improve the quality of life in cities. In its sixth year, the Index measures many factors, ranging from health care services and cultural events to mobility, government, and economic opportunity, using ratings from residents.

Performance Indicators

Dubai has impressed in the Smart City Index, with very high satisfactions in most of the indicators as follows:

  • Online Medical Appointments 84.5%
  • Cultural Activities 86.5%
  • Internet Usage for Communication 86.5% confidence
  • Digital ID Processing 85.4%
  • Health Services 82.8%
  • Access to Green Spaces 83.4%
  • Recycling Programs 84.3%

These ratings reflect the positive attitude of the residents towards the services and infrastructure of the city and the continuous efforts made by Dubai to improve the quality of life.

Technological Advancements

The report indicates that Dubai has advanced in 16 out of 20 technology fields, improving all four fields of technology management. This progress is an indicator of the strong belief of the city in innovation and smart city solution creation.

 

Mattar Al Tayer, Executive Chairman of the Board of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, hailed the cooperative spirit between government and private sectors in attaining this ranking. “Our achievement in occupying the fourth position in the Smart City Index is an indication of how we have transformed Dubai into one of the smartest cities in the world,” he insisted.

Mobility Innovations

The contributions of the RTA played a major role in the ranking, particularly in mobility. The major achievements include:

  • Vehicle Sharing App Use: 67.9%, ahead of leader cities by 24.4%
  • Smart Parking Searching Apps: 73.8% adoption rate, ahead of others by 29.8%
  • Bicycle Rental Apps: 70%, ahead of other cities by 17.3%

All these advancements reflect Dubai’s emphasis on improving transport facilities and encouraging ecologically friendly mobility options.

Future Initiatives

Al Tayer also spoke on the RTA’s newly announced Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2030, which will enhance its stance in AI mobility. The wide-ranging strategy encompasses 81 projects under some major pillars:

  • Customer Happiness
  • Smart and Efficient Mobility
  • Smart Traffic Control
  • Digital Licensing
  • Future Readiness

Asset Management Excellence

All of these projects are meant to enable the overall quality of life of residents and turn Dubai into a technological innovation leader.

 

A Collaborative Effort

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, praised the city’s ascent in the Smart City Index. He noted that this achievement reflects Dubai’s commitment to adopting global best practices in AI and digital transformation. He stated, “The collaboration among various government bodies and the private sector plays a crucial role in our success.”

Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of Dubai Community Development Authority, agreed with the same opinion and stood in support of the pledge given by the leadership to provide quality of life through innovative technologies. She said, “Our higher ranking in the IMD Smart City Index is a reflection of our vision for bold digital transformation that is focused on individual well-being and societal progress.”

Citizens’ Views

Digital Dubai Director-General, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori made clear why the index isn’t just a rank: it’s “the voice of residents expressing what the difference the digital technologies create in their day-to-day living”. He concludes firmly a great deal: “This milestone is a result of commitment towards excellence and agility and a spirit of innovation at the grassroots level of an entire city.”.

Al Mansoori also clarified that Digital Dubai, together with other government agencies, has made a pledge to liberating innovation and leadership as means to enrich the life of residents and businesses while shaking up the economy through revolutionary technology solutions.

Conclusion

Dubai’s achievement in the IMD Smart City Index is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in urban living. The city’s strategic initiatives, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts among government and private sectors have positioned it as a leader in smart city development.

 

This ranking not only serves to advance the image of Dubai globally but also in line with its vision to position itself as the world’s foremost hub for living, working, and investing. To this end, Dubai continues to transform so that residents’ quality of life is always at the center of its digital transformation agenda.

With ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology, Dubai will remain the beacon of hope, happiness, and opportunity for its residents and guests.