Dubai ranked world’s second-smartest city and leads in AI adoption
Dubai has been ranked the second-most intelligent city in the world, behind London and ahead of New York, in the inaugural Intelligent Cities Index developed by Boston Consulting Group.
The ranking assessed 61 major global cities on how effectively they are adopting artificial intelligence and using it to improve public services, economic opportunities and quality of life. Dubai also achieved the highest score globally for AI adoption, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading technology-driven cities.
Dubai overtakes New York in global ranking
London took first place overall, with Dubai ranking second, followed by New York, Washington DC and Amsterdam.
The index measured cities across five areas: AI adoption, strategy, implementation, outcomes and the wider foundations needed to support artificial intelligence, including talent, investment and digital infrastructure.
Dubai’s performance was particularly strong in the adoption category, reflecting the rapid integration of AI into government services, transportation, urban planning and business.
The result places the emirate ahead of several established global technology centres. San Francisco, despite its close association with the global AI industry, ranked seventh overall, while Boston came 15th and Los Angeles 16th.
AI becomes part of everyday city life
Dubai has spent years building digital infrastructure designed to make government services faster and more accessible.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into areas ranging from mobility and healthcare to customer service, public administration and city planning.
The emirate has also introduced dedicated programmes aimed at attracting AI companies, developing specialist talent and accelerating the use of emerging technologies across both the public and private sectors.
Rather than measuring technology investment alone, the Intelligent Cities Index also considers whether digital transformation produces tangible benefits for residents.
This makes Dubai’s second-place ranking particularly significant: it suggests the city is not simply developing AI infrastructure, but increasingly translating technology into practical urban services.
Global competition for intelligent cities grows
The index highlights how cities around the world are competing to become leaders in AI-enabled urban development.
Traditional technology hubs remain prominent, but the rankings show that access to major technology companies alone does not necessarily guarantee leadership.
Strong government strategy, infrastructure, implementation and public adoption are increasingly important factors.
Dubai’s rise reflects a broader strategy to position the city as a global testing ground for new technologies, with government-led initiatives often implemented at citywide scale.
Dubai strengthens its position as a technology hub
The ranking also supports Dubai’s ambitions to attract more technology companies, entrepreneurs and international investment.
As AI becomes increasingly important to industries ranging from finance and real estate to tourism and logistics, cities capable of providing advanced digital infrastructure and supportive regulation are expected to gain a competitive advantage.
For Dubai, reaching second place globally — while ranking first for AI adoption — represents another milestone in its transformation from a regional business centre into one of the world’s most technology-focused cities.
