According to the third edition of the annual IMD-SUTD Smart City Index, Abu Dhabi is once again leading the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) cities in the use of technology to improve residents’ quality of life.
According to the reports, 15,000 people from 118 cities around the world participated in the survey, and Abu Dhabi climbed 14 places to 28th place out of 118 cities in the global ranking of smart cities, compared to 2020.
“The score demonstrates that the pandemic and its acceleration of digital transformation have had a significant impact on city people’ impressions of how technology is helping to manage urban concerns,” as per the statement.
Experts define a Smart City as ‘an urban setting that applies technology to improve the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanization for its citizens.’ Since the pandemic, access to better air quality and health services has been a higher priority in smart cities around the world, according to the data.
The new ranking reflects the city’s considerable influence on the quality of life as a digital transformation leader.
Mr. Bruno Lanvin, President of IMD’s Smart City Observatory said, “This year’s findings shed light on the tectonic shifts that have disrupted logistical chains and organizational structures worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, has noted that the UAE capital is working hard to ensure alignment with data-driven smart sustainable cities of the future, in line with the visionary vision of the wise leadership.
“Data-driven innovation is central to economic growth in cities, and the department is constantly working on building smart and interactive systems and platforms that focus on developing a long-term strategy that enables us to achieve the aspirations of our people and responds to their needs,” he further added.
According to the reports, “Taking the top three places were Singapore (1st), Zurich (2nd), and Oslo (3rd). Switzerland enjoyed three cities in the top 10 with Lausanne in 5th and Geneva in 8th place.”
