Dubai is the leader in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on urban mobility readiness. Meanwhile, it ranked 28th globally according to the index published by Oliver Wyman.
The global management consulting firm has recently unveiled its much-anticipated annual Urban Mobility Readiness Index. The comprehensive initiative evaluates the preparedness of 65 cities worldwide for upcoming mobility trends. Oliver Wyman Forum, in collaboration with the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, analyzes 56 key performance indicators across various categories. The study provides valuable insights for city planners, citizens, and the private sector.
Dubai takes the lead
In the latest rankings, Dubai emerges as a standout city in the Middle East. Dubai showcased significant progress in mobility readiness, climbing five places since 2021. This year, Dubai secured the 28th place globally, positioning itself between Atlanta and Melbourne on the Index. This remarkable achievement underscores the city’s commitment to advancing its mobility infrastructure.
MENA region rankings
While Dubai led the charge in urban mobility readiness, other cities in the MENA region also demonstrated improvements. Abu Dhabi climbed one place to 38th while Doha maintained its position at 41st. Meanwhile, Riyadh rose four places to secure the 53rd spot. Notably, Cairo took 56th place and Casablanca ranked 59th, indicating a region-wide upward trajectory in mobility readiness.
“The transformational projects currently underway across the GCC – as well as the region’s appetite for new technology – means cities across the Gulf are likely to continue to rise in the rankings,” said Guillaume Thibault, partner at Oliver Wyman and co-author of the Index. He added: “It’s encouraging to see a focus on elements such as improving public transport utilization, boosting both walkability and cycling routes, and electric vehicle infrastructure. It’s crucial to prioritize these issues and be open to change, as mobility currently accounts for 25 percent of global emissions.”
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Sustainable mobility and global trends
The Urban Mobility Readiness Index includes sub-indices focusing on sustainable mobility and public transit performances. In the Sustainable Mobility Sub-Index, Dubai leads the region ranking 46th while Abu Dhabi ranked at 48th place. Additionally, Dubai excels in public transit, ranking 31st globally, with Doha following closely at 45th.
The report sheds light on global trends, including the rise of autonomous vehicles, challenges faced by the shared mobility market, and the impact of inflation on public transit models. Specific to the Middle East, the research identifies continuous improvements in public transit performance, challenges posed by regional climate to active mobility, and ongoing pilot projects promoting walking and cycling for sustainable transportation.
Areas for improvement in the GCC
The research also provides tailored recommendations for cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Dubai is advised to focus on enhancing electric vehicle (EV) charging station availability and air quality. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Manama, and Doha are encouraged to prioritize EV incentivization and public transport utilization.
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