Dubai has risen eight places to rank fourth globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, retaining its position as the top-ranked city in the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia. The emirate advanced across 16 of 20 technology indicators and all four pillars of technology governance.
Resident satisfaction scores underpinned the result, with online medical appointment booking rated 84.5 out of 100, internet speed confidence at 86.5%, and online ID document processing at 85.4%. Cultural activities scored 86.5%, recycling services 84.3%, and green space access 83.4%.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority outperformed the top three cities – Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva – across mobility metrics, including vehicle-sharing app utilisation at 67.9% and smart parking applications at 73.8%. AI integration into traffic systems has reduced congestion by up to 25%.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer