The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has just released its 2025 Smart City Index, a global ranking that evaluates cities’ ability to harmonize technology with quality of life.
A total of 146 cities were assessed based on criteria such as urban service efficiency and residents’ lived experiences.
But what exactly defines a “smart city”? According to the report, it is a city that leverages digital technologies not for superficial appeal but to tangibly address citizens’ needs, including mobility, safety, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. The goal is to create a smoother, more sustainable, and ultimately more human-centric living environment.
In North Africa, no city ranks within the top 100 of the 2025 Smart City Index. Conversely, a few cities in Southern Africa perform slightly better, though the continent as a whole remains underrepresented in the ranking.
Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, fell five spots from the previous edition, now ranking 142nd out of 146 cities. This marks a decline from its 137th position in the 2023 and 2024 rankings.
In North Africa, Tunis outperforms Sanaa (145th), while Cairo fares better at 117th, followed by Rabat (123rd) and Algiers (128th).
In the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Dubai stands out. Thanks to massive investments in smart infrastructure, the city leads regionally and ranks 4th globally.
Abu Dhabi follows closely, securing 5th place worldwide, driven by its ambitious digital transformation and sustainability strategies.
Other Gulf cities also feature in the top 100: Riyadh (27th), Doha (33rd), Mecca (39th), Jeddah (47th), Al Khobar (61st), Medina (67th), and Kuwait City (90th).
Globally, Switzerland reaffirms its dominance in smart city development, with Zurich topping the list. The city excels in efficient urban management, advanced digitization of public services, and a high quality of life praised by residents.
The country’s well-structured, digitized systems successfully blend technological innovation with collective well-being.
Oslo claims second place, followed by Geneva, which climbs to third this year, closely trailed by Lausanne. Dubai and Abu Dhabi round out the global top five.
The index combines objective metrics—such as air quality, mobility, infrastructure, and access to digital services—with residents’ perceptions of how technology tangibly improves their daily lives.
