Key Highlights
- Zurich retains the #1 spot with an unblemished AAA rating.
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi surge, jumping 8 and 5 spots respectively behind 2024.
- Singapore slides from 5th to 9th place and Canberra drops from 3rd to 8th.
- Swiss urban centres dominate the list, underscoring a citizen‑centric approach.
Detailed Insights
Ranking Framework: The index evaluates cities on five pillars—Health & Safety, Mobility, Activities, Opportunities, and Governance—using a six‑tier rating scale from AAA to CCC.
Middle East Upsurge: Dubai’s 8‑place climb and Abu Dhabi’s 5‑place rise position the UAE as the most dynamic region outside Europe and Asia.
India’s Current Standing: Delhi tops the national list at rank 104, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru at 106 and 110, while Hyderabad lags at 109 with a CCC status.
Global Movements: New entrants such as AlUla, Astana, Manama and San Juan entered the top‑200, while Taipei reversed its descent, and Ljubljana improved markedly.
Key Concepts
- Smart City: A metropolis that leverages technology to magnify urban benefits and minimise drawbacks for residents.
- Five Rating Pillars: Health & Safety, Mobility, Activities, Opportunities, Governance.
- Rating Scale: AAA (highest) → AA → A → CC → CCC (lowest).
- Dynamic Ranking: Movements often reflect infrastructure upgrades, policy shifts, and digital adoption.