Dubai ranks as world’s cleanest city in 2025

Sustainability and innovation keep the UAE city on top for the fifth consecutive year

Dubai cleanest city
Caption: Dubai secures the title of the world’s cleanest city in 2025, leading global rankings with innovative waste management and sustainability strategies.
Source: DMO

Dubai has once again been crowned the world’s cleanest city in 2025, according to the Global Power City Index (GPCI) issued by Japan's Institute for Urban Strategies at the Mori Memorial Foundation.

This marks the fifth consecutive year the emirate has secured the prestigious title, a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation.

The city outperformed 47 other global metropolises, earning a 100% satisfaction rate in the city cleanliness metric under the GPCI’s environment pillar.

Dubai’s achievement reflects a comprehensive strategy to align with international environmental standards while enhancing quality of life for its residents.

Comprehensive waste management

Dubai’s success is attributed to its Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041, which aims to reduce waste production by 18 percent and achieve 100 percent landfill diversion by 2041. Dubai Municipality spearheads these efforts, collaborating with public and private sectors to implement cutting-edge solutions.

A robust fleet of 855 advanced vehicles and equipment supports daily cleaning operations across 2,400 kilometres of roads, 1,419 square kilometres of investment zones, and other critical areas, ensuring a seamless cleanliness system that operates year-round.

Moreover, Dubai Municipality oversees hazardous and medical waste treatment, abandoned vehicle removal, and the management of 33.4 kilometres of water canals. E-systems monitor waste collection vehicles, reinforcing transparency and efficiency in waste management processes.

A visionary leadership

Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the emirate’s visionary leadership and collaborative spirit as driving forces behind this accolade. "Dubai’s achievements are the result of teamwork, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards,” he said.

The Municipality employs over 3,200 professionals, including monitors, supervisors, and engineers, whose coordinated efforts have sustained Dubai’s impeccable cleanliness record. The collaboration extends to the wider community, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and civic pride.

Innovations in sustainability

Dubai has consistently leveraged technology to enhance its sustainability agenda. Smart systems for waste collection and storage, electric vehicles for cleaning operations, and optimised energy consumption models exemplify the city’s innovative approach to preserving natural resources.

These initiatives align with Dubai Municipality’s vision, "A Pioneering Municipality for a Global City," which aims to position the city as a leader in sustainability, innovation, and urban development.

The Municipality’s forward-thinking approach also includes the development of an eco-friendly waste management system that reduces carbon emissions and enhances energy efficiency, ensuring Dubai remains a model for future cities worldwide.