Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai (Photo by Katarina Premfors /Expo 2020 Dubai) Dubai has ranked second globally in the inaugural Intelligent Cities Index from Boston Consulting Group, while taking first place worldwide for the adoption of artificial intelligence and smart-city solutions.
The index, reported by the Khaleej Times, assessed 61 cities across 39 countries on their ability to translate digital technology into tangible benefits for residents and businesses.
Cities were evaluated across five areas – outcomes, strategy, adoption, ways of working and enablers – using 35 indicators spanning 14 dimensions of digital transformation. Dubai’s strongest result came in adoption, reflecting the widespread integration of AI and intelligent services across government and the wider economy.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “AI is more than an emerging technology; it is a catalyst for improving quality of life, simplifying services and enabling economic growth.”
The ranking also reflects Dubai’s investment in shared digital infrastructure, data-led government and collaboration between public institutions and businesses. According to the findings, cities that place AI at the centre of their operations achieve faster improvements in service delivery and resident satisfaction.
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said leadership in AI should be measured not by the number of technologies adopted, but by their ability to produce meaningful impact, improve productivity and create new opportunities.