The UAE’s push toward innovation and digital transformation has paid off, as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have secured spots in the top five of the 2025 Smart City Index, a first for both cities. Dubai climbed to fourth place, up from twelfth last year, while Abu Dhabi rose to fifth, advancing from tenth last year.
Published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and its World Competitiveness Centre, the Smart City Index is considered one of the most comprehensive global assessments of how cities use technology and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for their residents. The index evaluates 141 cities worldwide and is based on 39 key indicators and survey responses from residents across various income levels. Zurich retained the top spot, followed by Oslo and Geneva, which jumped from sixth to third. However, it’s the UAE’s remarkable climb into the top five that stands out in the latest report.
The report highlights how Dubai and Abu Dhabi took active steps in ensuring resident satisfaction, guided by the use of smart technology and expanding infrastructure and sustainability projects.
A central theme of this year’s report is the challenge of housing affordability, particularly in cities experiencing rapid growth and immigration. Despite rising housing costs being a concern globally, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have managed to score high by balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability and resident satisfaction.
See the full report on IMD's website.