Whenever smart cities are discussed around the world, one name springs to mind very quickly: Dubai. The metropolis in the United Arab Emirates has been pursuing a consistent digitalisation strategy for years and is now one of the leading cities in digital administration, artificial intelligence and connected urban infrastructure. The aim is to provide all public services digitally, in a data-driven manner and as seamlessly as possible for citizens and businesses.

This is not about individual pilot projects, but rather a comprehensive transformation of the city’s administration. In Dubai, digitalisation is seen as a strategic tool for jointly enhancing quality of life, economic strength and sustainability.

One strategy rather than many individual projects

At the heart of this development is the organisation Digital Dubai, which coordinates the digital transformation of all government departments. Instead of isolated solutions, Dubai is pursuing a centrally managed approach in which data, digital identities, administrative services and new technologies are closely interlinked. According to Digital Dubai, more than 130 initiatives have already been implemented in collaboration with public and private partners.

The key building blocks include, amongst others:

• the Dubai Paperless Strategy, through which government documents have been almost entirely digitised,
• the Dubai Blockchain Strategy for secure and transparent administrative processes,
• the Dubai AI Roadmap and binding guidelines for the responsible use of AI,
• and the expansion of a unified data platform for government departments and public institutions.

The aim is for administrative services to be available digitally regardless of time or place and to function, as far as possible, without any disruption in the user experience.

AI as an integral part of public administration

Whilst many cities are still testing individual AI applications, Dubai is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence systematically into administrative processes. New regulatory frameworks support public authorities in deploying AI applications in a standardised, secure and traceable manner. The city is pursuing a clear governance approach that combines technological innovation with ethical guidelines.

Unlike in Germany, where the use of AI is influenced by federal structures, extensive consultation procedures and European regulation, Dubai is able to introduce new technologies in a significantly more centralised and rapid manner. At the same time, the city relies on a clearly defined governance framework with standards for transparency, data use and the responsible deployment of AI. This shows that successful AI in public administration requires not only technological innovation, but also clear guidelines for its use.

Mobility, energy supply, security services and urban planning are also increasingly being managed in a data-driven manner. Digital twins, real-time data and intelligent analytics help to make decisions more quickly and efficiently.

Digital services in everyday life

Dubai’s smart city approach is particularly evident in the daily lives of its residents.

The DubaiNow app provides centralised access to a wide range of government services – from permits and bills to healthcare and transport services. The national digital identity, UAE PASS, enables secure access to public services.

Dubai is also continuously investing in new technologies in the field of smart mobility – for example, in autonomous transport solutions, smart bus stops and digital traffic management. Here, too, the aim is to make public transport more efficient, more convenient and more sustainable.

Lessons from Smart City Dubai

Of course, the political, legal and social frameworks in Germany differ considerably from those in the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, Dubai provides interesting insights for the digital transformation of the public sector.

Particularly noteworthy in this regard are:

• a long-term overarching strategy rather than many individual digital projects,
• strong central governance for digital administration,
• consistent use of data as the basis for better decision-making,
• citizen-centred digital services that bundle various administrative services,
• and the close integration of politics, administration and technology companies in the implementation of innovative solutions.

Smart cities remain a key theme in the digitalisation of public administration

Whether digital identities, urban data platforms, AI in public administration or smart mobility – smart cities are emerging worldwide as a key driver of innovation for the public sector. Dubai demonstrates how digitalisation can be implemented on a large scale.

German cities, too, can no longer avoid the digitalisation of local authorities and public administrations. Cities and local authorities face the challenge not only of introducing digital technologies, but also of strategically linking them together – with the aim of making public administration more efficient, sustainable and citizen-centred.

Best practices, key providers and helpful solutions for this will be on display from 13–15 October 2026 at the Smart Country Convention in Berlin.