Dubai has achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the 4th position globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, marking an impressive jump of eight spots within a single year. This accomplishment underscores the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading futuristic city powered by advanced technologies, topping the rankings in both the Arab region and Asia.

The IMD Smart City Index, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), evaluates how cities utilize digital technologies to improve residents’ quality of life. Dubai’s strong performance is the result of strategic investments in digital infrastructure, citizen-focused services, and sustainable innovation.

Key Achievements Highlighted in the Report:

• Medical Appointments Booking Satisfaction: 84.5% of residents expressed satisfaction with online booking services.

• Internet Speed Confidence: 86.5% of Dubai’s population is satisfied with internet speed.

• Ease of Online Identity Services: 85.4% approval for online document transactions.

• Healthcare Services Satisfaction: 82.8%.

• Access to Green Spaces: 83.4%.

• Recycling Services Satisfaction: 84.3%.

• Cultural Activities Participation: 86.5%.

Dubai has shown improvements in 16 out of 20 technological indicators and has made notable advancements in all four pillars of technology governance.

Transport and Mobility at the Forefront

Dubai’s success is significantly driven by its pioneering smart transport initiatives. According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the city outperformed global counterparts Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva in three key areas:

• Ride-sharing applications usage: 67.9% (exceeding competitors by 24.4%).

• Smart parking search apps: 73.8% usage (ahead by 29.8%).

• Bicycle rental applications: 70% adoption (surpassing by 17.3%).

These advancements are part of Dubai’s strategic vision to shift 25% of mobility to smart, autonomous transportation by 2030.

Comprehensive Digital Transformation Strategy

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is implementing a digital strategy (2023-2030) involving 82 projects worth AED 1.6 billion. This roadmap focuses on:

• Achieving 100% flexible digital infrastructure.

• Enabling 100% digital financial mobility.

• Raising digital service adoption to 95%.

• Building 50 AI use cases.

• Fully empowering employees digitally.

The authority has also approved the AI Strategy 2030, encompassing 81 projects aimed at improving smart mobility, traffic management, licensing, and asset excellence.

Collaborative Effort Towards a Smart Future

Leaders from various sectors applauded this achievement:

• Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri (Dubai Police): Highlighted Dubai’s progress in AI adoption, digital security, and global leadership in smart governance.

• Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid (Community Development Authority): Emphasized human well-being as the core of Dubai’s digital agenda, ensuring inclusive access to smart services.

• Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori (Dubai Digital Authority): Stressed the importance of innovation, resilience, and continuous improvement as key drivers of Dubai’s digital success.

• Hala Badri (Dubai Culture and Arts Authority): Recognized the role of digital infrastructure in promoting cultural and creative industries, aligning with Dubai’s broader vision for a high-quality, tech-driven lifestyle.

A Human-Centric Digital Vision

Dubai’s remarkable rise in the Smart City Index reflects its unwavering focus on leveraging technology to enhance daily life. Through robust AI applications, big data analytics, and smart services, Dubai continues to redefine urban living, making it a global model for smart, sustainable, and inclusive city development.

This recognition is not just about digitalization—it’s about improving real-life experiences, ensuring that every technological advancement serves the people, their happiness, and their aspirations for a better future.