Dubai and Abu Dhabi in Top 10 of 2026 Smart City Index

Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked among the world’s top ten smartest cities in the 2026 Smart City Index published by the International Institute for Management Development, with Dubai placing sixth and Abu Dhabi tenth out of 148 cities assessed. Zurich led the global list, followed by Oslo, Geneva, London and Copenhagen. The report highlighted that the Gulf model, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as an example of government-led investment in digital technology paired with high-quality services that bolster public trust and improve urban performance. In the index’s technology pillar, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi scored above 0.76, reflecting advanced digital infrastructure and smart services. Public confidence in digital services was noted at around 95.7% in Dubai and 89% in Abu Dhabi. The report stated that the performance of both cities extends beyond technology alone, pointing to a balance of institutions, trust and infrastructure, with the most advanced smart cities aligning policy with residents’ needs and delivering efficient services that reinforce confidence. It added that digital investment in the United Arab Emirates has translated into tangible improvements in daily life, mirrored in high satisfaction with smart government services. According to the index’s methodology, rankings combine quantitative indicators with residents’ perceptions across five pillars: health and safety, mobility, urban activities, opportunities in work and education, and governance. Public surveys are incorporated to gauge satisfaction and the real impact of technology in daily life, rather than relying solely on infrastructure measures. A key finding underscored that technology on its own does not ensure success; strong institutions and high levels of public trust are associated with better outcomes, while weak governance or low trust can limit the benefits of advanced technologies.