Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Nov 1: In a major leap toward global urban excellence, Abu Dhabi has been ranked 5th in the world in the prestigious 2025 IMD Smart City Index, marking a significant rise from its 10th position in 2024. The Emirati capital’s achievement underscores its growing global recognition for safety, digital governance, sustainability, and innovation-driven development.
Issued annually by Switzerland’s International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), the index evaluates how effectively technology enhances residents’ quality of life. What sets the IMD ranking apart is its reliance on citizen feedback—measuring not just technology, but how people feel about living in the city.
Focus on people and safety
Abu Dhabi continues to hold the title of the world’s safest city for the seventh consecutive year, according to the Numbeo Safety Index. Over 82% of residents have expressed satisfaction with the city’s public transport network, while more than half said traffic congestion was not a major concern—a rare feat for a large capital.
In 2024 alone, Abu Dhabi recorded over 90 million bus rides and 168,000 marine transport trips, along with the opening of 200 new parks and beaches, contributing to an impressive 84% satisfaction rate for urban greenery and public spaces.
Technology that improves everyday life
Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a top smart city is powered by its people-centered technology strategy. The TAMM digital platform now integrates hundreds of government services, cutting paper usage by over 90%, while Hala Wi-Fi—a free, high-speed public internet network—has enhanced service accessibility for nearly 75% of residents.
The city has also invested AED 3.4 billion in smart mobility infrastructure, piloting driverless taxis, expanding AI-enabled cleaning fleets, and launching eco-friendly transport projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions by 40%. Additionally, over 1,400 smart sensors have been installed across seven major parks to monitor environmental health and support sustainable urban planning.
Smart, sustainable, and secure
Experts say Abu Dhabi’s climb to the top five is not just about technology—it’s about trust. The city’s blend of cutting-edge innovation, community satisfaction, and sustainability-driven governance has made it a global benchmark for the future of smart urban living.
As Abu Dhabi’s digital journey continues, the capital stands as a model for cities worldwide, proving that true smartness lies in creating a city where technology, sustainability, and human happiness coexist seamlessly.