Dubai has achieved a remarkable milestone in its digital transformation journey, climbing to the fourth position globally in the IMD Smart Cities Index 2025, an improvement of eight places within just one year.

This accomplishment reinforces Dubai's global standing as an advanced futuristic city relying on technology, leading in both the Arab region and Asia.

The city recorded exceptional performance in several key indicators reflecting residents' satisfaction with digital services and smart infrastructure.

For instance, 84.5% of residents expressed satisfaction with online medical appointment bookings.

Meanwhile, 86.5% trusted the speed of internet services, and 85.4% were satisfied with the ease of completing identity document transactions online.

In terms of service quality, healthcare services achieved a satisfaction rate of 82.8%.

The ease of access to green spaces garnered a satisfaction rate of 83.4%, while 84.3% were pleased with recycling services, and cultural activities received an 86.5% satisfaction score.

The 2025 report revealed improvements in Dubai's performance across 16 out of 20 technical indicators, along with notable progress in all four governance dimensions of technology.

The IMD Smart Cities Index, issued by the Global Competitiveness Center of the International Institute for Management Development, is a prestigious analytical tool that assesses how effectively cities utilize digital technologies to enhance the quality of life for their residents.

The index, now in its sixth year, is based on five main dimensions: health, mobility, activities, governance, and opportunities, and it relies on direct surveys to gauge the population's experience in urban living.

Matar Al-Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that Dubai’s achievement of the fourth position globally is a crowning result of efforts made by government entities, institutions, and the business sector in the emirate to transform it into the smartest city in the world.

The focus is on employing modern technologies to deliver high-quality services aimed at enhancing the quality of life and ensuring happiness and well-being for residents.

Al-Tayer noted that the RTA plays an active role in supporting Dubai's smart transformation efforts, contributing to the emirate's achievement of this prestigious global ranking.

Dubai outperformed the top three cities—Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva—through three main areas in the transport sector, including vehicle-sharing applications at 67.9%, surpassing the top three by 24.4%.

Moreover, parking search applications stood at 73.8%, exceeding the top three cities by 29.8%, and bicycle rental applications reached 70%, exceeding the top three by 17.3%.

The authority plays a pivotal role in advancing Dubai’s position within the Smart Cities Index by enhancing digital infrastructure and delivering smart services that meet the needs of residents.

The implementation of artificial intelligence and big data technologies to manage traffic flow helped improve vehicle movement and reduce congestion by up to 25%.

The authority has comprehensive plans for digital transformation aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including its strategy for smart autonomous transport aiming to convert 25% of all transport trips in Dubai to smart autonomous journeys by 2030.

The RTA's digital strategy for 2023-2030 involves nearly 82 projects and initiatives, with a total investment of 1.6 billion dirhams, intending to solidify the RTA's global leadership in digital transformation based on optimal data investment.

This includes establishing a flexible and scalable digital infrastructure at 100%, enabling mobility through financial technology at 100%, elevating the digital adoption rate of services to 95%, equipping staff digitally at 100%, and creating 50 use cases in artificial intelligence.

The Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, Abdullah Khalifa Al-Mari, remarked that Dubai's leap to the fourth position in the IMD Smart Cities Index 2025 and its top rank in the Arab World and Asia signify significant advancement in applying global best practices in utilizing artificial intelligence and smart technologies and developing digital infrastructure.

He emphasized that the classification reflects confidence in Dubai's digital ecosystem and enhances the responsibility of Dubai Police to continuously innovate proactive security solutions that promote quality of life and safeguard achievements in security and safety.

Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, expressed happiness regarding this important achievement, which genuinely reflects the leadership's vision of placing the quality of life at the core of all development plans.

She emphasized that her authority works continuously to leverage the latest smart technologies to empower community members and provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Hamad Obaid Al-Mansoori, Director General of Dubai Digital, stated that the IMD Smart Cities Index is significant as a reference point for cities aspiring to improve the living conditions for their residents.

He emphasized that the index outcomes reflect the reality of life in Dubai and its reliance on advanced technologies.

Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, highlighted that Dubai has successfully transformed into a leading model for smart cities, establishing itself as a capital for the digital economy, thanks to the ambitious visions set by the leadership.

She noted that Dubai's secure digital infrastructure supports sustainable development strategies and enhances its global position as a safe and integrated city, favored for living, working, and entertainment.

This achievement marks a pivotal station in the implementation of Dubai's digital strategy, aiming to digitize all aspects of life in the city and solidify its position as one of the best three cities globally for living and economic prosperity.

The strategy relies on cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and tools from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with a steadfast commitment to centering human welfare in the digital transformation journey.