Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank at the top of the global smart cities ranking
Urban innovation to serve citizens
The Smart City Index, published by IMD's World Competitiveness Center (WCC), stands out for its unique approach. It not only assesses technological infrastructures, but also analyzes how they improve the lives of local residents. The index uses 39 criteria, based on responses from citizens from a wide range of social backgrounds, and takes into account local human development through the Subnational Human Development Index (SHDI). According to Christos Cabolis, WCC Chief Economist, "Smart cities are those that manage to combine viability, sustainability and effective local governance. Technology must be a tool, not an end in itself". In this sense, the United Arab Emirates seem to have found the perfect balance. Dubai scored highly in several categories, with 82.8 out of 100 for the quality of health services and 83.4 for access to green spaces. Abu Dhabi did even better, with 84.7 for health and 83.8 for accessible natural areas.
Strategic progression towards excellence
The leap up the rankings for both cities reflects a carefully planned strategy on the part of the Emirati authorities. For several years now, the United Arab Emirates has been investing heavily in intelligent infrastructure, from sustainable transport to the digitization of public services and even cybersecurity. The integration of technologies into urban management, such as artificial intelligence, connected sensors and real-time data systems, has optimized resource management, improved traffic flow and enhanced safety. What's more, this success is part of a wider regional dynamic: other Gulf cities, such as AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait City and Manama in Bahrain, are also entering the ranking this year. This is indisputable proof that the countries of the region are making the essential digital shift towards sustainable urban development.
Despite the achievements, the 2025 report also points to persistent challenges in global metropolises such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi , particularly when it comes to affordable housing. Entitled “The challenge of housing affordability: a growing concern in smart cities”, the report warns of the widening gap between rising incomes and the increasing cost of housing. Arturo Bris, Director of the World Competitiveness Center, points out: “Cities are engines of economic growth and attract talent, but this success often leads to soaring property prices.” This observation calls for a rethinking of urban growth models to ensure that the benefits of technological development are accessible to all. The United Arab Emirates, as the Arab world's pioneers in this field, have an additional responsibility here: to make their smart cities fully inclusive spaces.
Meanwhile, the rise of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the world rankings of smart cities testifies not only to their excellence in urban innovation, but also to a fundamental commitment to digitalization. Indeed, for a country still dependent on hydrocarbons, the future can only be written in a diversified, service-based economy equipped with infrastructure for its inhabitants.
Sources :
https://economymiddleeast.com/news/dubai-abu-dhabi-achieve-top-rankings-in-2025-smart-city-index/
