Dubai Ranks Second Globally in BCG’s Inaugural Intelligent Cities Index, Tops World in AI Adoption
DUBAI — Dubai has been ranked second globally in the inaugural Intelligent Cities Index published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which evaluated 61 major cities across 39 countries to measure how effectively urban centers deploy digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The landmark index assesses technological maturity across five core domains: Resident Outcomes, Strategy, Adoption, Ways of Working, and Enablers, backed by 35 indicators covering 14 dimensions of digital transformation. While London claimed the overall top spot, Dubai outperformed major international metropolises—including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Amsterdam—to secure second place globally.
Dubai achieved the #1 global ranking in the Adoption domain, recording the strongest performance across the index's five categories. The report highlighted the emirate's widespread deployment of AI applications and smart digital services, converting advanced technologies into practical solutions that generate measurable value for residents and businesses.
"This outstanding global ranking reflects the success of our wise leadership's vision, which has established digital transformation and AI as strategic priorities for building a more efficient government and a future-ready city," Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said in a statement. "In Dubai, AI is more than an emerging technology; it is a catalyst for improving quality of life, simplifying services, and enabling economic growth."
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, noted that leadership in AI is measured by real-world impact rather than the sheer volume of technologies adopted. "Dubai continues to set a global benchmark for future readiness by advancing an integrated ecosystem that combines innovation, R&D, agile regulation, and strategic partnerships," Belhoul stated.
The BCG report concluded that cities embedding AI at the core of their operational models achieve faster, more sustainable improvements in public service delivery, resident satisfaction, and community trust.
