Dubai, a city state within the United Arab Emirates, is rapidly becoming a hub for innovative delivery solutions, with several initiatives launched in the past year to utilize autonomous robots for food delivery services.
These projects align with Dubai’s Smart City vision and its goal to have 25 percent of all transportation be autonomous by 2030.
Abu Dhabi is officially one of the smartest cities on the planet.
The capital has soared to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, climbing five spots from last year.
From slick transport systems to park sensors and free Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere, it’s no wonder residents are giving the capital top marks.
Read more: AE: Abu Dhabi ranks among the world’s smartest cities – and here’s why
Abu Dhabi has moved to fifth place in a global smart city ranking
Abu Dhabi’s green spaces, free public Wi-Fi, public transportation and effective traffic management propelled it from tenth to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, surpassing several major world capitals.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, said: “Over the past five years, Abu Dhabi has steadily climbed the world’s smart city rankings, moving from 14th place in 2020 to fifth place this year. This is a major achievement for the whole of Abu Dhabi and further cements our position as one of best places in the world to live, work, and visit.
Read more: AE: Abu Dhabi climbs smart city ranking as free Wi-Fi, green spaces and traffic impress
Surpassing several major world capitals
Abu Dhabi's abundant green spaces, free public Wi-Fi, excellent public transportation and effective traffic management propelled it from tenth to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, surpassing several major world capitals.
HE Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, said: “Over the past five years, Abu Dhabi has steadily climbed the world’s smart city rankings, moving from 14th place in 2020 to 5th place this year. This is a major achievement for the whole of Abu Dhabi and further cements our position as one of best places in the world to live, work, and visit.
A new wave of sustainable urban design is taking shape in the UAE, and the developer behind Dubai's original Sustainable City has announced plans for a more ambitious, AI-integrated successor: The Sustainable City 2.0.
Under the plan, drones will take to the skies, while residents receive health updates and personal training from AI bots and self-driving vehicles navigate the streets.