Abu Dhabi tops 'Smart City' rankings in the Middle East

Abu Dhabi has been ranked the top ‘Smart City’ in the Middle East and Africa region by a study conducted by McKinsey Global Institute study titled ‘Smart Cities: Digital Solutions for a More Livable Future.’

The study looked at how cities all over the world use technology to increase the quality of life across a wide range of criteria, including healthcare, security, mobility, economic development and housing. With a rating of 18.4, Abu Dhabi ranked first in the region ahead of Dubai, which was placed second with a rating of 17.3.

The report, which cover 50 international cities, looked at how technology “directly improves a resident’s quality of life”. The measure for a city to be ranked ‘smart’, it must first demonstrate the presence of a robust structural base and an underlying digital infrastructure, including a network of data-collecting sensors and devices, comprehensive broadband and wireless networks, and platforms on which data can be stored and shared, a statement said.

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) undersecretary HE Saif Saeed Ghobash said: “In today’s digital age, metropolitan cities the world over are delivering creative ways in which data is used to reinvent the way their city is perceived, explored, interacted with, and how services are delivered. Abu Dhabi ranking number one in the study is testimony to our ongoing efforts to establish the Emirate as both a destination of distinction and a highly modern location in which international communities want to work, live and do business. With apps and online systems in place that support the tourism and business infrastructure of the Emirate, we hope to lead the way to a sustainable future for generations to come”.

To integrate the ‘smart city’ concept, the capital city has introduced new and innovative schemes and systems to aid the tourism sector and benefit residents’ quality of life. Tech additions include the official “Abu Dhabi Culture” online portal and app, a one-stop reference point for all information relating to culture in the emirate; and an online event ticketing system, part of its event licensing system, which streamlines and facilitates event registration and licensing procedures.