Abu Dhabi Ranked First Regionally, 13th Globally in Smart City Index

Abu Dhabi has ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) cities and 13th in the world in the IMD Smart City Index report for 2023.

"Through employing next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things, and developing smart city initiatives across various societal, service, and economic sectors, including public and smart transportation, Abu Dhabi has been able to establish itself as a smart and sustainable city, and one of the best global destinations to live, work, and visit," Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said.

Published by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the report also ranks Dubai 17th globally, while Riyadh came in the 30th place, Doha 59th, and Muscat 96th.

Here is a list of the top ten places on the index for 2023:

1. Zurich
2. Oslo
3. Canberra
4. Copenhagen
5. Lausanne
6. London
7. Singapore 
8. Helsinki
9. Geneva 
10. Stockholm

The index monitored residents in 141 cities worldwide, and gave them scores based on current infrastructure and digital services available to residents, relying on variables related to residents' perception and interaction with government efforts in five main pillars: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance.