Abu Dhabi has been named the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and has broken into the global top 10, according to the 2026 Smart City Index (SCI) released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
The report, titled “The Quest for Trust and Transparency,” evaluates 148 cities worldwide based on how effectively technology improves the lives of residents across five key pillars: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance.
Table of Contents
Global and Regional Standings
Abu Dhabi’s ascent to 10th place globally marks a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. In the regional context, the UAE demonstrated a dominant performance, with Dubai ranking 6th globally.
The global top three positions were held by Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva, followed by London and Copenhagen. Abu Dhabi’s inclusion in the top tier highlights the success of the “Gulf Model”—a strategy characterized by high-quality, state-directed digital investment paired with efficient service delivery.
Data-Driven Performance Metrics
The 2026 index reflects an “A” rating for Abu Dhabi in both structures and technology. Key data points from the report include:
- Public Trust: 89% of residents expressed full confidence in online government services.
- Digital Adoption: 66% of the population regularly utilizes digital tools for daily financial transactions.
- Infrastructure Reliability: The city scored 85.7% for internet reliability and 78.3% for online business services, reinforcing its appeal as a global corporate hub.
The TAMM Ecosystem: A Catalyst for Growth
A central driver of this achievement is the TAMM platform, managed by the Department of Government Enablement (DGE). As a unified digital ecosystem, TAMM now offers over 940 government and private sector services.
- AI Integration: The platform recently integrated advanced AI assistants to streamline 24/7 customer interactions.
- Efficiency: The transition to a “one-stop-shop” model has significantly reduced administrative lead times, contributing to the city’s high score in the governance and “opportunities” (work and education) categories.
Strategic Outlook: Safety and Sustainability
Beyond digital services, Abu Dhabi’s ranking is bolstered by its reputation as the world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year. The integration of AI-powered predictive policing and 24/7 surveillance systems has created a secure environment that attracts both international talent and foreign direct investment (FDI).
