Abu Dhabi named smartest city in MENA region

WAM

Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for 2023, the third year in a row, according to the IMD Smart City Index released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).

The IMD surveyed 120 residents in 118 cities worldwide. Abu Dhabi surpassed several international capitals to rank 13th globally out of the 141 cities included in the current ranking.

The study evaluated 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 (work and education system), and governance.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), expressed his pride in Abu Dhabi's ranking as the smartest city in the region.

"Through employing next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), 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,” he said.

The Smart Cities Index issued by IMD is considered an important reference for international organisations, decision-makers, and institutions to measure the impact of national strategies in enhancing levels of welfare, achieving progress, and promoting the quality of life for people.

More from Business News

  • Spinneys makes Dubai stock exchange debut

    Spinneys 1961 Holding PLC, an operator of premium grocery retail supermarkets under the Spinneys, Waitrose and Al Fair brands in the UAE and Oman, started trading on Thursday on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

  • ADNOC reports 18% Q1 growth

    ADNOC Distribution released strong Q1 2024 financial results, showing an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in EBITDA to $248 million.

  • Dubai Duty Free boss to retire after 41 years

    After 55 years in the travel retail industry and 41 at the helm of Dubai Duty Free (DDF), Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO has announced that he is stepping down from his role on May 31, 2024.

  • Sharjah airport welcomes over 4 million passengers

    More than 4.2 million passengers travelled through Sharjah Airport in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 10 per cent year-on-year increase.

  • DXB on track to surpass 90 million passengers in 2024

    His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, says he expects passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport to exceed 90 million by the end of this year.

News