Dubai has strengthened its global reputation for urban excellence after retaining its position as the world’s cleanest city for the sixth consecutive year, according to the latest rankings released by the Global Power City Index (GPCI).
The Institute for Urban Strategies at Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation issues the index.
Global recognition for urban excellence
In the latest GPCI assessment, Dubai achieved a 100 percent satisfaction score in the city cleanliness indicator under the Environment pillar of the index, outperforming several major global cities evaluated across key measures of urban performance.
The Global Power City Index is widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive benchmarks for assessing urban competitiveness.
It evaluates cities based on six key functions: quality of life, environment, economy, research and development, cultural interaction, and accessibility, using more than 70 international indicators.
Authorities emphasize that the city’s cleanliness is not merely the result of operational efficiency but a reflection of a broader civic culture in which residents and institutions actively contribute to preserving public spaces.
Supporting circular economy goals
Dubai’s cleanliness initiatives are closely aligned with the emirate’s long-term sustainability agenda, particularly the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041. The strategy aims to reduce waste generation at the source, divert 100 percent of waste from landfills, and accelerate the transition toward a circular economy.
HE Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita Director General Dubai Municipality
“Dubai’s continued global leadership as the world’s cleanest city reflects a clear vision supported by sustained institutional efforts and strong partnership between government entities, the private sector, and the community. Cleanliness in Dubai is not only an operational outcome but also an established urban culture that reflects the awareness, responsibility, and values of society. It contributes directly to enhancing quality of life for individuals and families and reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the most beautiful, sustainable, and liveable cities in the world.”
Dubai Municipality maintains an extensive cleanliness system operating around the clock. The system is supported by a modern fleet of 785 specialized vehicles and machinery, alongside more than 23,300 waste storage and collection units strategically distributed across residential areas and public spaces.
Operations are managed by 2,876 sanitation engineers and 280 supervisory and inspection personnel, ensuring continuous monitoring and service delivery through a coordinated operational framework.
The system covers an expansive urban network, including 2,400 kilometers of main roads and highways, 1,419 kilometers of investment zones, and 33.4 kilometers of water canals, in addition to markets, beaches, industrial zones, residential communities, and desert areas.
Pioneering waste management Initiatives
Dubai has also introduced several innovative programs aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management. Among them is the Circle Dubai initiative, which encourages waste reduction, recycling, and community participation in circular economy practices.
The municipality also operates the Warsan Waste-to-Energy Centre, the largest facility of its kind globally. The center plays a key role in converting waste into renewable energy while reducing landfill dependency.
Additional initiatives include smart community recycling centers and digital platforms that support real-time monitoring and operational decision-making through the Clean City Index system.
Partnerships with private sector companies further strengthen waste collection, transportation, and recycling services. Community engagement programs such as the “One Hour with a Sanitation Engineer” initiative also encourage residents to actively participate in maintaining public cleanliness.
