Abu Dhabi Rises to 5th Spot in 2025 Global Smart City Ranking
Abu Dhabi has climbed to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, moving up from tenth last year. The city's strong performance is credited to its green spaces, reliable public transport, free public Wi-Fi, and smooth traffic flow. It now ranks ahead of several major global capitals.
HE Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said the ranking highlights the success of Abu Dhabi's long-term smart city vision. Over the past five years, the capital has advanced from 14th to 5th place. He noted this reflects the whole-of-government approach and the city's focus on using technology and AI to benefit the community.
The IMD survey ranks 146 cities based on residents' perceptions of their city's technology and infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi, over half of those surveyed said traffic congestion was not a common issue. Moreover, 82% were satisfied with public transport. Last year, there were more than 90 million rides on public buses. Over 168,000 passengers also used the water transport system.
In 2024, DMT invested AED 3.4 billion in road and mobility projects. One such project, a new double bridge on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, reduced peak-hour delays by up to 80%. These improvements played a major role in the city's ranking.
Green areas also contributed. About 84% of residents were happy with the availability and upkeep of parks. In 2024 alone, Abu Dhabi opened over 200 new parks and beaches. Some parks were upgraded with up to 1,400 sensors to monitor soil, air, and energy use. This 'smart parks' initiative improves sustainability and visitor experience.
Free public Wi-Fi also stood out. Nearly 75% of residents mentioned it as a key benefit. Abu Dhabi offers Wi-Fi on buses, at beaches, and in parks through its Hala Wi-Fi network.
To beautify public areas, the DMT launched the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative. It uses UAE-based talent to reflect the country's culture and heritage in public spaces.
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi plans to continue expanding its smart city initiatives. The capital now hosts the MENA regional office of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), making it a key center for innovation and smart city development in the region.
Abu Dhabi's rise in the Smart City Index shows its ongoing progress in building a connected, efficient, and sustainable urban future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
SRTI Park teams up With Doctory to launch smart medical bag 'Masand' to support Hajj pilgrims
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates – In a step that reflects Sharjah's commitment to transforming innovative ideas into real-world solutions, the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) has announced the successful design and production of the smart medical bag 'Masand' for Doctory, a leading health-tech company, within the state-of-the-art Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SoiLAB). This project highlights how SRTI Park's laboratories have become an advanced platform for testing innovative medical products in partnership with the private sector, especially during the Hajj season, which presents an ideal opportunity to apply these practical solutions to meet pilgrims' needs. The 'Masand' medical bag is a portable unit that integrates advanced medical devices for fast and effective health diagnostics. It was developed through close collaboration between Doctory's team and SoiLAB's expert engineers, leveraging the latest technologies in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and electronic circuit design—reinforcing SRTI Park's position as a leading hub for developing advanced medical devices through collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said: "Doctory's innovative products, designed within SoiLAB, are a model of health innovation. This project reflects our commitment to empowering creative and innovative companies to turn their ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives. The Hajj season provides a unique opportunity to test these solutions in real-world conditions, showcasing SRTI Park's ability to turn research and innovation into practical outcomes." He added: "We are dedicated to enabling innovators by providing world-class research and development facilities, advanced industrial expertise, and supportive investment networks. Our goal is to create an environment where pioneering ideas in health technology can thrive, transforming how medical solutions are developed and implemented." The 'Masand' medical bag can directly connect patients with a network of specialized doctors, enabling remote diagnosis and treatment—even in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The bag has attracted significant attention from medical authorities and regulatory bodies during the current Hajj season, where it has proven effective in managing emergency health cases at the holy sites—affirming Sharjah's role in supporting Hajj efforts through advanced technology. Osama Shamsi Pasha, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Doctory, expressed his pride in this collaboration, saying: "The 'Masand' medical bag represents a significant leap in mobile healthcare, made possible by the advanced innovation environment and world-class team at SoiLAB. We have had previous successful collaborations with SoiLAB, such as developing the 'Doctory Chair,' which reinforces our confidence that SRTI Park is the ideal environment for testing ambitious ideas and turning them into practical products." This project extends SRTI Park's legacy of successful innovation, which includes developing protective masks during the COVID-19 pandemic using advanced lab techniques, as well as the production of smart prosthetic limbs in collaboration with specialized researchers—affirming its leadership today in testing and developing health devices that serve communities both locally and regionally. SoiLAB: The Future of Prototyping and Innovation The Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SoiLAB) is a cornerstone of SRTI Park's vision in the health technology sector. It is a cutting-edge facility for prototyping and manufacturing, empowering startups, researchers, and industry leaders to develop, test, and refine advanced technological solutions. With its expanding capabilities—including 3D printing of metals, polymers, and concrete; electronics manufacturing; textiles; robotics; and advanced digital manufacturing—SoiLAB is strengthening Sharjah's position as a distinguished hub for healthcare innovation, medical device development, and AI-powered health solutions. SRTI Park continues to play a pivotal role in the innovation ecosystem by attracting leading and emerging companies in the healthcare and medical diagnostics sector, providing a flexible and supportive environment for advanced manufacturing and innovation—positioning Sharjah as a gateway for exporting cutting-edge technology to the region and beyond. Yacoub Al Tahtamouni Public Relations Specialist Email: yaltahtamouni@ PO Box: 66636 Sharjah UAE SRTI Park Office Location
Arabian Post
32 minutes ago
- Arabian Post
Electric Vehicle Blaze Forces Evacuation of Cargo Ship Off Alaska
A cargo ship transporting approximately 3,000 vehicles, including 800 electric models, was abandoned in the North Pacific Ocean after a fire erupted on board, compelling all 22 crew members to evacuate. The vessel, identified as the Morning Midas, was en route from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, when the incident occurred about 300 miles southwest of Adak Island, Alaska. Smoke was first observed emanating from a deck housing electric vehicles. Despite deploying the ship's CO₂ fire suppression system, the crew was unable to contain the blaze, leading to a complete evacuation via lifeboat. All crew members were safely rescued by the nearby merchant vessel Cosco Hellas. The Morning Midas, a 600-foot-long Pure Car and Truck Carrier built in 2006 and flagged under Liberia, is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime. The company is coordinating with emergency responders and has dispatched a tugboat to assist with salvage and firefighting operations. The U.S. Coast Guard has also deployed air and sea resources to monitor the situation and support recovery efforts. ADVERTISEMENT The fire's origin remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest it began in the section of the ship carrying electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in EVs, are known to pose significant fire risks due to their flammable electrolyte and potential for thermal runaway. Once ignited, these batteries can be challenging to extinguish, often requiring large volumes of water and specialized firefighting techniques. This incident underscores growing concerns within the maritime industry regarding the transportation of electric vehicles. The increasing prevalence of EVs has introduced new safety challenges for cargo ships, particularly concerning fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. Traditional fire suppression systems, like CO₂, may be insufficient to manage such fires, prompting calls for updated safety protocols and equipment. The Morning Midas fire is the latest in a series of maritime incidents involving electric vehicles. In 2022, the Felicity Ace, a cargo ship carrying nearly 4,000 vehicles, including numerous EVs, caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean and eventually sank. Investigations suggested that a lithium-ion battery may have been the fire's source. Similarly, in 2023, the Fremantle Highway experienced a fire off the Dutch coast while transporting 3,783 vehicles, including 498 electric cars. Although the cause was later determined not to be related to the EVs, the incident highlighted the complexities of managing fires on ships carrying such cargo.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
UAE to ban single-use plastics by 2026
The UAE will ban single-use plastics by 2026 said Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. In a statement marking World Environment Day (June 5), Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment—both nationally and globally. Speaking in line with this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' Dr. Al Dahak announced that starting January 1, 2026, the UAE will implement a nationwide ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. UAE plastics ban This sweeping reform builds on earlier steps, including the 2024 ban on plastic bags, as part of a phased approach toward eliminating unnecessary plastic from daily life. Dr. Al Dahak said: 'The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level. 'Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation's vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. 'Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come.' Dr. Al Dahak noted that the UAE's actions are aligned with international efforts and are bolstered by programs like Clean Rivers, an initiative by Erth Zayed Philanthropies. This project tackles plastic pollution in waterways by empowering local communities and supporting innovation to achieve plastic-free rivers. In parallel, the UAE's Circular Economy Policy plays a critical role by promoting sustainable resource use across sectors such as: Green infrastructure Transportation Manufacturing Food systems
