Dubai claims second place in global ranking of cities using AI to improve quality of life

Dubai has secured the second position in the inaugural Intelligent Cities Index, a global ranking that evaluates how effectively cities utilize advanced technology and AI to enhance the quality of life and foster sustainable development. The index, published by the Boston Consulting Group, assessed 61 cities across 39 countries, considering five areas: outcomes, strategy, adoption, ways of working, and enablers, backed by 35 indicators of digital transformation.

Dubai's impressive score of 80 points surpassed global powerhouses like New York, Washington, and Amsterdam, placing it just behind London's 85 points.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, the director general of Digital Dubai, attributed the ranking to the city's commitment to building a more efficient government and a future-ready metropolis. He emphasized that AI is not merely an emerging technology but a catalyst for improving quality of life, simplifying services, and driving economic growth. The city plans to invest further in shared digital infrastructure and expand the use of data and AI across various sectors to maintain its leading position.

In a strategic move, the emirate unveiled a two-year action plan in May to harness advanced AI in the private sector. Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, announced that training programs would be introduced to assist businesses in adopting cutting-edge AI agents. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be directed to establish incubators for Agentic AI companies, fostering high-tech growth and generating new economic opportunities for young professionals in the field.

Dubai's ambitious plan aligns with the broader government vision to leverage AI for improving efficiency and productivity and elevating public service standards. In April, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized that AI will no longer be a mere tool but an executive partner, enhancing services, expediting decisions, and boosting efficiency. Abu Dhabi, another Emirate, also showcased strong performance on the list, securing the 20th position.