Rabat advanced three spots in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, placing 123rd among 146 cities evaluated, according to a report published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.
The index measures citizens’ perceptions of how technology impacts key aspects of urban life, including mobility, governance, health, and sustainability.
Despite the improvement, Rabat continues to grapple with significant challenges in urban quality of life, particularly affordable housing. According to the report, 38.1% of surveyed residents cited affordable housing as their top concern, far outweighing worries about education (20.8%) and security (19.5%). The report defines affordable housing as housing costs that do not exceed 30% of an individual’s monthly income.
The Moroccan capital showed modest performance in healthcare, transportation, and governance. While basic healthcare services and public transportation were deemed acceptable, confidence in local institutions and citizens’ ability to influence political decisions remained low.
On a positive note, approximately 72.5% of Rabat residents said that better access to online information has bolstered their trust in local authorities. Additionally, 59.3% expressed willingness to share some personal data to improve traffic management.
Globally, Zurich, Switzerland, retained its top spot, driven by strong digital infrastructure, participatory governance, and advanced healthcare systems. Oslo followed in second place, lauded for its environmental policies and advanced public transport systems. Geneva ranked third, recognized for its citizen participation platforms and AI-based healthcare solutions.
Meanwhile, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, demonstrated that smart urban development is not confined to high-income countries. Both cities were praised for integrating advanced technologies into their governance and infrastructure systems.
Dubai, in particular, was highlighted for major investments in artificial intelligence and its integrated digital government services platform, while Singapore secured ninth place thanks to its innovative solutions in transportation, education, and environmental management.
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