Abu Dhabi Named One of the World’s Top 5 Smart Cities

Abu Dhabi has officially secured its spot among the top five smartest cities in the world, according to the 2025 IMD Smart City Index – climbing an impressive five places from last year.

This leap reflects years of strategic planning and innovation. Whether it’s smooth public transport, tech-enabled parks, or city-wide free Wi-Fi, Abu Dhabi is clearly winning over its residents. The index, which surveys people in 146 global cities, shows how the capital moved from 14th place in 2020 to 5th this year.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), credits the jump to a unified government approach focused on enhancing quality of life for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits the city.

So what’s powering Abu Dhabi’s smart success?

Let’s start with traffic – or the lack of it. Over half of the city’s residents say congestion isn’t a major problem, and public transport has high approval ratings, with more than 90 million bus journeys and 168,000 water taxi rides recorded last year. The new double-bridge on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street alone reduced peak-hour delays by up to 80%.

Green spaces are another win. In 2024, over 200 new parks and beaches opened under DMT’s watch, and 84% of residents gave a thumbs-up for accessibility and maintenance. Seven of these parks now feature smart sensors that monitor air quality and soil moisture—blending sustainability with smart tech.

Then there’s connectivity. Thanks to Hala Wi-Fi, free public internet is available across buses, parks, and beaches. Around 75% of residents said it made accessing services much easier, playing a key role in boosting the city’s ranking.

The city is also thinking beyond infrastructure. Initiatives like Abu Dhabi Canvas, which showcases Emirati heritage through public art by local creatives, reflect a broader vision of inclusive and culture-driven development.

And with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO) choosing Abu Dhabi as the home for its new regional office, the capital is stepping up as a leader in smart city innovation—not just for the UAE, but the entire region.