Dubai Ranked as the Fourth Smartest City in the World

Dubai has achieved a significant milestone in its transformation into a leading global smart city. According to the IMD Smart City Index 2025, the city has risen eight positions to secure fourth place worldwide its highest ranking to date. 

This accomplishment establishes Dubai as the foremost smart city in the GCC, the Arab world, and Asia. The recognition underscores the city’s effective implementation of advanced digital infrastructure, forward-thinking governance, and a resident-focused approach to smart urban development.

A New Benchmark in Smart Urban Development

The IMD Smart City Index, produced by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, is a globally recognised benchmark that assesses the extent to which cities leverage digital technologies to enhance the quality of life for their residents. The 2025 edition of the Index is informed by direct feedback from city inhabitants and evaluates key areas including healthcare, mobility, governance, cultural engagement, and environmental sustainability.

Dubai delivered strong results across the board:

• 84.5/100 satisfaction for online medical appointment booking

• 86.5% confidence in internet speed for communication needs

• 85.4% satisfaction with online ID processing

• 82.8% approval for the quality of health services

• 83.4% satisfaction with access to green spaces

• 84.3% satisfaction with recycling services

• 86.5% approval of cultural activities

Driving the Smart City Vision

This progress can be largely attributed to the coordinated efforts of multiple government bodies, with the Roads and Transport Authority playing a particularly prominent role. 

As highlighted by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, the authority has been instrumental in driving forward Dubai’s smart mobility initiatives.

Dubai outperformed the top three ranked cities—Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva—in several mobility indicators:

• 67.9% utilisation of vehicle-sharing applications (24.4% higher than the top three)

• 73.8% use of smart parking search applications (29.8% higher)

• 70% adoption of bicycle rental apps (17.3% higher)

Dubai’s continued investment in artificial intelligence, big data, and automation has further strengthened these achievements. Central to this effort is the RTA’s Digital Strategy 2023–2030, which encompasses 82 projects with a dedicated budget of AED 1.6 billion. The strategy aims to transform service delivery through the implementation of advanced digital infrastructure and AI-driven systems, with a key objective of making 25% of all mobility trips autonomous by 2030.

A City-Wide Commitment to Innovation

Beyond transportation, Dubai’s smart city success is shaped by collaboration across sectors. The Dubai Police, for example, continues to pioneer smart security and sustainable safety initiatives, while the Community Development Authority leverages tech to ensure inclusive service delivery and well-being.

The Digital Dubai initiative has been instrumental in advancing the city’s agenda for data-driven innovation. With a strong emphasis on improving residents’ lives and fostering an integrated digital economy, Digital Dubai is central to establishing the city as a global centre for talent, technology, and economic opportunity.

Equally, the cultural sector is integrated into the digital transformation. Dubai Culture’s efforts in promoting smart cultural engagement through events, digital services, and creative empowerment initiatives demonstrate how technology supports a holistic approach to urban life.

A Future Built on Technology and Quality of Life

The IMD ranking affirms Dubai’s position at the forefront of global innovation. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate continues to advance its Smart City and Digital Strategies at pace, establishing itself as a global benchmark for livability, opportunity, and sustainability.

As Dubai advances the digitisation of its urban landscape, its core focus remains firmly on its people. By prioritising the needs and well-being of residents, the city demonstrates how technology can be harnessed not merely as a goal, but as a means to enhance quality of life, and deliver enduring benefits for future generations.

At One Investments, we are committed to making real estate investment as seamless and rewarding as any other global opportunity. Our focus is on connecting investors with properties that combine luxury with long-term value.