Top 20 smartest cities in the world in 2024
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the only Arab cities in the top 20 this year
What makes a city among the smartest in the world?
There are several factors that play into cities being ranked among the smartest globally, including efforts to enhance citizens’ quality of life, such as developing public transportation networks or eco-compatible mobilities. Other factors include governments’ efforts to develop green spaces and broaden opportunities for cultural events and social bonding.
In the majority of leading smart cities, such efforts come hand in hand with innovative strategies to attract and retain talent, foster investment selectively, and tackle longstanding issues regarding geographical inequalities and inclusion.
The latest IMD Smart City Index 2024 report reveals the top 20 smartest cities in the world, including:
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich has held the title of the smartest city in the world since 2020 with an AAA rating.
2. Oslo, Norway
Oslo has held the title of the second smartest city in the world since 2020 with an AA rating.
3. Canberra, Austraila
Canberra holds the 3rd place since 2023 with an AA rating.
4. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva rose from 8th place to 4th place in 2024 after slipping to 9th place in 2023, making it among the smartest cities in the world this year with an AAA rating.
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5. Singapore
Singapore has made significant progress on becoming one of the smartest cities in the world. It held 7th place since 2020 before rising to 5th this year. The city has an A rating.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen holds an AA rating. The city ranked 3rd in 2020 and fell to 5th place in 2021 before rising to 4th in 2023 then 6th in 2024.
7. Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne is Switzerland’s 3rd city making the top 20 smartest cities in the world this year. The city has a AA rating and fell 2 places on the index since last year.
8. London, United Kingdom
In 2021, London rose to 3rd place on the index before falling to 8th this year. The city has an A rating.
9. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was among the top five smartest cities in the world in 2020. Since then, the city’s rank fell to 9th place. The city has an AA rating.
10. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi is the only Arab city in the top 10 smartest cities in the world. The UAE’s capital has made significant progress, rising from 14th place in 2020 to 10th this year. The city has a BB rating.
For the complete list, including Dubai, click here.