Latest news with #IMDSmartCityIndex
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dubai named world's fourth smartest city
Dubai was named the fourth smartest city, by the IMD Smart City Index 2025, moving up 8 spots from last year. Zurich came in first place followed by Oslo and Geneva. Dubai scored well in several categories, cementing its position as a digital-first, future-forward city. Abu Dhabi came in fifth place followed by London, Copenhagen, Canberra, Singapore and Lausanne. The IMD Smart City Index, issued by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, is a globally recognised analytical tool that assesses how effectively cities leverage digital technologies to enhance residents' quality of life. In the 2025 report, Dubai recorded progress in 16 out of 20 technology indicators and achieved advancement across all four pillars of technology governance, underscoring its commitment to smart city excellence. Asia Rising: Dubai's transformation to becoming tech hub draws parallel with Silicon Valley and Bengalaru The new cities added this year were: AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Astana in Kazakhstan, Caracas in Venezuela, Kuwait City in Kuwait, Manama in Bahrain, and San Juan in Puerto Rico – bringing this year's total to 146. Findings: A few of the metrics are listed below 86.5% of Dubai residents were satisfied with the city's current internet speed and reliability, 78.3% of residents find that free public wifi has improved access to city services 85.4% of residents thought processing identification documents online has reduced waiting times 8.3% responded that online ticketing has made attending shows and events easier 86.8% respondents thought that information on local government decisions are easily accessible 89.3% residents found that CCTV cameras has made residents feel safer Dubai was recently also named among top 5 fintech destinations globally. According to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism's (DET) FDI Monitor, venture-capital-backed FDI surged by 39% in 2024, a strong indicator of international investor confidence and Dubai's maturing innovation infrastructure. Of these investments, 54% of all announced FDI projects incorporated High to Medium technology components. Dubai is making major investments in technology and AI, aiming to lead innovation and is building capacity to support the ecosystem, so much so that government services are fully embracing and incorporating it.
Gulf Insider
13-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Named World's 4th Smartest City
Dubai has advanced eight places to rank fourth globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, marking a major milestone in its digital transformation journey. The achievement reinforces Dubai's position as the highest-ranked city in the GCC, the Arab world and Asia, and highlights its status as a global leader in smart city development and future-ready urban innovation. Dubai recorded strong performance across key indicators in the IMD Smart City Index 2025. These include: A satisfaction score of 84.5 out of 100 for booking medical appointments online 86.5 per cent confidence in internet speed meeting communication needs 85.4 per cent satisfaction with the online processing of identification documents 82.8 for the quality of health services 83.4 per cent satisfaction with access to green spaces 84.3 per cent for recycling services 86.5 per cent for cultural activities In the 2025 report, Dubai recorded progress in 16 out of 20 technology indicators and achieved advancement across all four pillars of technology governance, underscoring its commitment to continuous innovation and smart city excellence. The IMD Smart City Index, issued by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, is a globally recognised analytical tool that assesses how effectively cities leverage digital technologies to enhance residents' quality of life. Now in its sixth year, the Index evaluates cities across critical pillars including health, mobility, activities, governance, and opportunities. The results are drawn from a direct survey of residents and citizens who express their perception of the city. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: 'Dubai's fourth-place ranking in the 2025 Smart City Index, issued by the Institute for Management Development (IMD), is a testament to the collective efforts of government entities and private sector partners in transforming Dubai into the world's smartest city. 'This milestone reflects Dubai's strategic commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to deliver high-quality services, elevate the quality of life, and enhance the well-being and happiness of its residents. 'RTA supports the government's smart transformation efforts and has contributed effectively to securing this prestigious global ranking for Dubai in the Smart City Index, outperforming the transport sectors of the top three cities: Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva. 'This success was driven by excellence across three core mobility pillars: vehicle-sharing applications, with a utilisation rate of 67.9 per cent, exceeding the top three by 24.4 per cent; smart parking search applications at 73.8 per cent, surpassing them by 29.8 per cent; and bicycle rental applications, with a usage rate of 70 per cent, outperforming them by 17.3 per cent.' Al Tayer noted that the RTA has been instrumental in reinforcing Dubai's position in the Smart City Index by advancing digital infrastructure and delivering smart services that address the evolving needs of residents and visitors. The integration of artificial intelligence and big data into traffic management has improved traffic flow and reduced congestion by up to 25 per cent, he said. He said: 'RTA is implementing a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and is actively progressing the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all mobility trips in the city into autonomous journeys by 2030. 'In addition, RTA's Digital Strategy 2023–2030 features 82 projects and initiatives with a total investment of AED1.6bn ($436mm). 'The strategy aims to consolidate RTA's global leadership in digital transformation through optimal data utilisation, a fully scalable and adaptive digital infrastructure, complete enablement of fintech-driven mobility, 95 per cent digital adoption of services, 100 per cent digital empowerment of employees, and the development of 50 artificial intelligence use cases'. Al Tayer said that the RTA has also recently adopted its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2030, aimed at reinforcing its global leadership in AI-driven mobility. The strategy focuses on building an integrated, interconnected ecosystem that enhances the quality of life in Dubai. The strategy, he said, comprises 81 projects and initiatives across key pillars: customer happiness, seamless and innovative mobility, intelligent traffic management, smart licensing, future readiness, and asset excellence. It also plays a pivotal role in further cementing Dubai's position as a leading global smart city. Zurich Oslo Geneva Dubai Abu Dhabi London Copenhagen Canberra Singapore Lausanne Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: 'Dubai's rise to fourth place globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, and its top ranking across the GCC, the Arab world and Asia, represents a major milestone. 'This accomplishment reflects the emirate's rapid strides in adopting global best practices in artificial intelligence, smart technologies and advanced digital infrastructure. 'It also reaffirms Dubai's leadership in digital transformation and sustainable security. Such progress is the outcome of close collaboration among government entities, working in line with the vision of Dubai's leadership. 'This international recognition strengthens confidence in Dubai's digital framework and reinforces our commitment at Dubai Police to continue developing proactive, innovative security solutions that improve quality of life, preserve safety gains, and deliver high-quality public services. 'We will keep collaborating with our strategic partners to further establish Dubai as a global benchmark for smart and digital cities, in line with the leadership's vision of making Dubai a smart, secure, and sustainable city.' Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said the achievement reflects the leadership's commitment to placing quality of life at the heart of all development efforts. She noted that the Authority continues to leverage advanced technologies to empower individuals and ensure inclusive access to services and opportunities for all members of society. She added that the city's rise in the IMD Smart City Index reflects a holistic approach to digital transformation, one that places quality of life at its core. This approach aligns with Dubai's social agenda, which prioritises individual well-being and views measurable improvements in daily life as the true benchmark of progress. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said: 'The IMD Smart City Index is not just a ranking, it reflects how residents perceive the real impact of digital technologies in their everyday lives. 'This achievement is the outcome of a city-wide commitment to excellence, agility, and innovation. The progress stems from the unwavering collaboration between public and private sectors — and above all, the tireless work of our teams in fulfilling the vision of our leadership. 'I extend my appreciation to all those who contributed to this achievement and urge them to continue pursuing excellence. As we rise higher, the competition intensifies, but I remain confident in our national talent and capabilities to not only maintain this position, but to advance even further. 'At Digital Dubai, in close collaboration with government entities, we remain committed to driving innovation and leadership, simplifying life for individuals and businesses, and reinforcing the digital economy through the adoption of advanced smart technologies. 'Guided by the vision of our leadership, we continue working to realise the future of Dubai, a city that stands as a global beacon of hope, happiness and opportunity.' Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), said that Dubai has become a global benchmark for smart cities and the digital economy, a transformation driven by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. She said: 'Dubai's digital infrastructure supports our sustainable development goals and has improved our ranking in the IMD Smart City Index. We aim to create the world's most efficient, integrated, and secure city, reinforcing the emirate's appeal as a place to live, work, and thrive. 'At Dubai Culture, we adhere to government technology standards across all our initiatives and apply advanced solutions to enhance the services we offer artists, creatives and cultural professionals. Through exhibitions, workshops, and events under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, we empower entrepreneurs, foster a spirit of innovation, and inspire talent to channel their ideas in service of the community—an essential pillar of our mission to make culture accessible to all.' This achievement marks a key milestone in the implementation of the Dubai Digital Strategy, which aims to digitise all aspects of life in the emirate and reinforce its position among the world's top three cities for living and economic opportunity. The strategy is driven by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution tools, with a strong focus on customer-centricity that places people at the core of digital transformation. The IMD Smart City Index is based on comprehensive resident surveys, reflecting how people experience services and how effectively digital solutions enhance their daily lives. This resident-first approach is closely aligned with the city's vision of becoming the best city in the world to live and work in, where technology serves as a bridge to well-being, opportunity, and sustainable growth for all. Also read: Dubai to Allow Crypto Payments for Government Services
Hi Dubai
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Rises to 4th in Global Smart City Index, Leading Asia and the Arab World
Dubai has surged to fourth place globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, climbing eight positions and securing its status as the highest-ranked city in the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia. The jump marks a major milestone in Dubai's digital transformation journey, driven by advancements across health, mobility, digital governance, and cultural engagement. The city recorded resident satisfaction rates exceeding 80% across key services, including online medical bookings, internet reliability, and digital ID processing. The IMD Smart City Index, compiled by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, assesses how effectively cities use digital technologies to improve quality of life. Now in its sixth edition, the ranking is based on citizen feedback across five pillars: health, mobility, activities, governance, and opportunities. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority, credited Dubai's success to cross-sector collaboration and the city's smart mobility initiatives. These include high usage of vehicle-sharing apps, smart parking systems, and bicycle rentals—each outperforming leading cities like Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva. Dubai's push toward autonomous transport, big data integration, and AI-driven services has also been key. The RTA alone has launched over 80 digital projects under its 2023–2030 strategy, with AED1.6 billion in investment. Top officials from Dubai Police, Digital Dubai, and Dubai Culture echoed the sentiment, highlighting the role of advanced infrastructure and inclusive technology in enhancing daily life and community well-being. This achievement aligns with Dubai's broader vision to become one of the world's top three cities for living and economic opportunity. At its core is a resident-first approach, where innovation is not just about technology—but about improving lives. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Dubai Eye
12-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai rises in global rankings with smart city excellence
Dubai has climbed eight spots to rank 4th globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025 — a major milestone in its digital transformation journey. This achievement makes Dubai the highest-ranked city in the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia, cementing its status as a global leader in smart city development and innovation. The Index, which reflects residents' satisfaction with city services, shows strong scores across the board, including over 85 per cent satisfaction with internet speed meeting communication needs, online processing of identification documents and cultural activities. Additional results show 82.8 for the quality of health services, 83.4 per cent satisfaction with access to green spaces, 84.3 per cent for recycling services and 84.5 per cent for cultural activities. Dubai also improved in 16 out of 20 tech indicators and made progress across all four pillars of technology governance, showcasing its commitment to innovation and people-first urban development. The ranking aligns with the goals of the Dubai Digital Strategy, which aims to fully digitise life in the emirate, using advanced technologies to enhance quality of life and economic opportunity. The IMD Smart City Index, issued by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, is a globally recognised analytical tool that assesses how effectively cities leverage digital technologies to enhance residents' quality of life. Now in its sixth year, the Index evaluates cities across critical pillars including health, mobility, activities, governance and opportunities. The results are drawn from a direct survey of residents and citizens who express their perception of the city. Zurich, Oslo and Geneva hold the top three spots, while Abu Dhabi is ranked fifth. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Muscat rises to 87th in IMD Smart City Index
Muscat – Muscat has improved its standing in the global IMD Smart City Index, rising to 87th place out of 142 cities ranked worldwide in the 2025 edition. Muscat was ranked 88th in 2024 and 96th in 2023. The index, developed by World Competitiveness Center (WCC) of IMD Business School, assesses cities on how they balance economic and technological development with quality of life indicators such as housing, healthcare, mobility, governance and inclusiveness. Muscat's overall performance earned it a 'B' grade, with strong scores in areas such as access to green spaces, public safety, online access to services and healthcare provision. However, the survey highlighted housing affordability as the leading concern among residents. More than 60% of respondents in Muscat identified affordable housing and unemployment as the top priorities for the city's future development, reflecting a global trend where housing emerged as the dominant issue in 110 out of 146 cities surveyed. The survey noted that access to affordable housing has become a global challenge, driven by rising prices and supply shortages, a situation impacting cities as diverse as Dublin, Vancouver and Dubai. Commenting on the broader findings, Arturo Bris, Director of WCC, said, 'Access to housing is a global issue, driven by three major factors – population moves and immigration reducing the supply of affordable housing, overall price increases, and increasing prices of certain commodities.' Muscat also scored positively in public safety, basic sanitation services and air quality, with residents expressing satisfaction in these areas. The city's initiatives in digital governance – including online public services and platforms for civic engagement – were highlighted as contributors to improved trust in local authorities. Globally, Zurich topped the 2025 Smart City Index, followed by Oslo and Geneva. Within the region, Dubai (4th) and Abu Dhabi (5th) both entered the top ten for the first time, reflecting their progress in healthcare, public spaces and environmental management. Jeddah is ranked 27th, Doha 33rd, Manama 36th and Mecca 39th. Experts noted that sustaining growth requires addressing urban challenges through strategic planning. 'Smart cities succeed when they prioritise liveability, sustainability and governance, using technology as a tool to empower residents,' said Christos Cabolis, Chief Economist at WCC. The IMD survey emphasised the fact that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' formula for becoming a smart city. Instead, success depends on building strong foundations of quality basic services, leveraging technology to address local needs and ensuring inclusive growth. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
