Almaty has been included in the first Intelligent Cities Index 2026, prepared by the international consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
The study examines how cities are using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to improve quality of life, economic development and urban governance. In addition to overall digitalization, experts assessed the extent to which these technologies deliver tangible benefits to residents.
Almaty in the top 40
The Kazakhstani city ranked 38th among the world’s 61 largest cities. With 62 points, Almaty ranks alongside Tokyo, Hong Kong and Jakarta, outperforming Istanbul (52nd place, 55 points), Delhi (43rd place, 59 points), Milan (41st place, 61 points), Warsaw (47th place, 58 points) and Mexico City (53rd place, 55 points).
How the cities were assessed
To compile the ranking, BCG specialists evaluated five areas: outcomes for residents, development strategy, adoption of digital services and AI, ways of working, and enabling factors, including infrastructure, financing and human resources.
Based on the study’s findings, Almaty was placed in the Emerging category, which includes cities that are continuing to develop their digital ecosystems and expand the use of modern technologies.
Who topped the rankings?
London ranked first in the Intelligent Cities Index 2026, followed by Dubai, New York, Washington and Amsterdam. According to BCG, these cities are making the most effective use of AI and digital technologies to improve their urban environments.
The study’s authors emphasize that a modern «smart» city is not the one that has implemented the most technology, but rather one where digital solutions genuinely improve people’s lives, make public services more convenient and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
