Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Dubai rises to second place in global smart cities index

The ranking highlights the emirate’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and smart city development.

• August 7, 2026
U.S. citizens in UAE
Dubai

Dubai has been ranked as the world’s second-leading intelligent city in a newly published global assessment.

The ranking highlights the emirate’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and smart city development.

TV BRICS reported that the international index evaluated 61 cities across 39 countries; only London ranked higher than Dubai.

It measured how effectively urban centres deploy AI and digital technologies to improve public services, strengthen economic competitiveness and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Dubai achieved the highest global score for AI adoption and smart city implementation.

It reflects the extensive integration of artificial intelligence into government services, urban infrastructure and digital platforms.

The results underline the city’s ability to translate advanced technologies into practical solutions that support both citizens and businesses.

The assessment examined cities across five key areas, including strategic planning, technology adoption, operational capability, digital infrastructure and measurable outcomes.

Analysts noted that cities embedding AI into core public services consistently deliver greater improvements in efficiency, innovation and resident satisfaction.

Officials said the ranking reflects years of investment in digital infrastructure, data-driven governance and emerging technologies designed to support sustainable urban development.

They added that artificial intelligence has become a central component of Dubai’s strategy to modernise public administration, improve service delivery and strengthen its position as a global innovation hub.

The report also found that leading AI cities demonstrate a broader range of real-world artificial intelligence applications.

They produce higher public confidence in AI technologies linked to greater day-to-day use of digital services.

Experts believe the latest ranking reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most advanced digital cities.

Continued investment in artificial intelligence is expected to accelerate innovation, improve urban management and support future economic development.

(TV BRICS/NAN)

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