According to the IMD Smart City Index announced by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland in amalgamation with the Singapore University of Technology, and Design, Abu Dhabi has been ranked for the third consecutive year as the most innovative city in the Middle East and North Africa(Mena)for the year 2023.
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has announced its annual study on innovative city development, investigating 120 residents in 118 cities worldwide. Abu Dhabi surpassed many international capitals to rank 13th globally out of 141 towns enclosed in the current ranking.
The study assessed current infrastructure and digital services available to citizens relying on variables related to resident’s perception and interaction with government efforts in five main pillars-
- Health and Safety
- Mobility
- Activities
- Opportunities
- Governance
Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport(DMT), expressed his pride in Abu Dhabi’s ranking as the most innovative city in the region.
He said, ” Abu Dhabi’s leadership is a translation of the leadership’s vision and commitment to support the digital transformation journey and utilize it to serve and enhance the community, its well-being, and quality of life. Through employing next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) and developing smart city initiatives across different societal, service, and economic sectors, including smart and public transportation., a sustainable and smart city and one of the best destinations to live, work and visit”.
Al Shorafa added, ” At DMT, we are working diligently to harness technology and utilize it to magnify the quality of life for residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We will contribute to or to build in the momentum of achievements to enhance the leadership of Abu Dhabi in this field”.
In addition, interactive platforms are built with the public to identify their aspirations and needs and interact with them with transparency, placing them at the center of government work in developing and facilitating access to services for citizens.
The Smart Cities Index issued by IMD is a vital reference for international organizations, decision-makers, and institutions to measure the effect of national strategies in uplifting levels of welfare, achieving progress, and promoting the quality of life for the people.
