Mindsets announced that Hail ranked 33rd among 148 cities worldwide in the IMD Smart City Index 2026, marking its first ever entry into one of the world’s most recognized urban benchmarks, Invest-Gate reports.

Integrated Framework Driving Transformation

Acting as a strategic advisor to the municipality, Mindsets developed a comprehensive smart city framework aligned with key IMD dimensions, including health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance enabling unified planning and measurable performance.

A Strong Model for Mid Sized Cities

Hail’s achievement highlights the growing competitiveness of mid sized cities globally. With a population of around 500,000, the city combines cultural heritage including UNESCO listed rock art with a forward looking urban development strategy.

Citizen Centric Development Approach

The transformation placed residents at the core, with advancements in digital services, healthcare, public safety, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability, all translated into a structured and measurable operating model.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 Goals

The ranking reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in global smart city rankings and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in developing livable and sustainable cities.

Expanding Regional Impact

Dr. Rayan Khraibani, CEO of Mindsets, stated that the achievement demonstrates how strategic clarity and execution can position mid sized cities on the global stage. Hail now joins other Saudi cities featured in the index, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding footprint in smart urban development.