المملكة: Makkah Al-Mukarramah graces the list of the top 50 smart cities in the world for the year 2026
Registered city Makkah al-Mukarramah achieved a qualitative international achievement today, Thursday, by ranking 50th globally and third place locally in the Smart Cities (IMD Smart City Index) for the year 2026, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
Confirmed The Holy Capital Municipality This advanced classification reflects the qualitative development that the city is witnessing in the path of digital transformation, through improving public services by relying on modern technologies, raising the efficiency of resources, and enhancing community participation, which contributes to providing sustainable solutions that meet the needs of residents and visitors, and keep pace with the status of Makkah Al-Mukarramah as a leading global destination.
Adopting innovative technical solutions
The Municipality explained that this achievement comes as an extension of the great support given by the wise leadership to development projects in Makkah. The honorable city, and its continuous directives towards strengthening its position as a global smart city.
She indicated that the classification reflects the major leaps in adopting innovative technical solutions and developing digital infrastructure, which contributes to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
The secretariat said that it is working according to a comprehensive strategy that aims to transform the Holy Capital into a global model that combines historical sanctity and modern technical development, in line with the goals of sustainable development in the Kingdom.
Access to an urban environment Advanced
The Municipality of the Holy Capital confirmed that it is continuing to implement digital transformation initiatives and develop technical systems to enhance the efficiency of field and administrative municipal services.
She stressed that this global excellence represents an incentive to continue working to raise the level of beneficiary satisfaction and develop the services provided to the guests of God, noting that the use of artificial intelligence techniques in resource management has directly contributed to achieving this advanced center.
She stressed that the goal is not just achieving numbers in international indicators, but rather reaching an advanced urban environment that ensures easy access to services and provides a digital experience. Smooth and reliable for all.
Global Competitiveness Standards
In its assessment, the IMD Index for Smart Cities relies on monitoring the readiness of cities to use advanced technologies in the face of urban challenges, with a focus on improving the quality of life and providing an attractive environment for investment.
In the 2026 edition, Makkah Al-Mukarramah emerged as one of the most advanced cities in employing technology to serve humanity, which highlights the comprehensive digital transformation that the city is experiencing.
This achievement coincided with the achievement of 8 cities. Saudi Arabia ranks advanced in the same index, which confirms the Kingdom’s leadership in building sustainable smart cities that enhance global competitiveness and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
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