Abu Dhabi, Dubai Top Smart Cities among Islamic Countries

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the top cities among Islamic countries on a global Smart City Index published by Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development in collaboration with the Singapore University for Technology and Design. This is only the second year the Index is published. Singapore retains its top billing among 109 cities, with Helsinki, Zurich, Auckland, and Oslo in tow. Abu Dhabi is ranked 42nd and Dubai 43rd. Hundreds of citizens in each city were surveyed in April and May and asked questions on the technological provisions across five key areas: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities and governance. “This year’s Smart City Index suggests that the cities that have been able to combine technologies, leadership and a strong culture of ‘living and acting together’ should be able to better withstand the most damaging effects of such crises (COVID-19),” said Bruno Lanvin, President of the IMD Smart City Observatory. Abu Dhabi made a huge leap compared to the previous year and improved by 14 places. Both the capital city of the UAE and neighbour Dubai score high on basic sanitation meeting the needs of the poorest. Recycling and medical services are deemed satisfactory, as well. However, not even 50% of both cities’ residents agree that finding housing with rent equal to 30% or less of a monthly salary is not a problem.