Abu Dhabi among world’s safest, happiest cities, new survey reveals

Abu Dhabi: A comprehensive field study conducted by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi has revealed a marked improvement in happiness and quality of life across the emirate. The fifth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey, completed in 2024, shows that Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s safest and most livable cities.

One of the most notable findings is the rise in the happiness index, which has increased from 7.63 in the third cycle to 7.74 out of 10 in the latest edition. In addition, an impressive 93.6% of residents reported feeling safe walking alone at night — further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s global reputation as the safest city for 2025, according to international safety indices.

The 2024 survey engaged more than 100,000 participants from 190 nationalities, providing a diverse and inclusive snapshot of life in Abu Dhabi. It assessed 14 key indicators that collectively form a comprehensive view of social and community well-being. These include housing, employment, income and wealth, work-life balance, health, education and skills, personal security, social relationships, environmental quality, digital quality of life, social services, happiness, and overall well-being.

In collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the survey also introduced two new indicators: social cohesion and civic participation. These were designed to measure the strength of community ties and the extent of social engagement among residents.

Results from the survey show that 75.6% of Abu Dhabi residents benefit from strong social support networks — a particularly meaningful statistic during the "Year of Community." Additionally, 34.3% of residents reported active participation in volunteer work, highlighting a strong culture of civic responsibility and collective action.

Engineer Sheikha Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at the Department of Community Development, said the survey’s results reflect Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic commitment to enhancing the well-being of its people.

“These outcomes demonstrate the emirate’s continued investment in policies and initiatives that prioritise residents’ quality of life. The progress we are seeing in happiness, safety, and life expectancy are tangible indicators of the effectiveness of our social, health, and economic development strategies,” she stated.

Sheikha Al Hosani also highlighted the recent launch of the Nabd Al Falah Community Centre as a key milestone in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to transforming public feedback into real, accessible services. “The centre serves as a platform for activities, programmes, and events that meet the diverse needs of our community. It is a model of what can be achieved through collaborative governance,” she added.

In line with Abu Dhabi’s accelerating digital transformation, the survey found that residents are increasingly satisfied with the accessibility and quality of digital services. The emirate has made notable strides in enhancing its digital infrastructure, making daily interactions with government and service providers faster and more efficient.

However, the survey also identified growing public concern over the psychological impact of digital technology. These findings suggest a need for balanced policies that address both digital advancement and mental health, ensuring technology serves as a tool for empowerment without negatively affecting emotional well-being.

Despite the overall positive indicators, the survey revealed that work-life balance continues to be a challenge for many residents. The average number of working hours in Abu Dhabi remains higher than the OECD average. This disparity highlights an area of focus for policymakers, who are now encouraged to explore strategies that support a healthier integration of professional and personal life.

According to the Department, the findings of the Quality of Life Survey serve as a foundational tool for shaping future social and economic policies. The insights gained allow government bodies and stakeholders to design initiatives that promote sustainability, social cohesion, and overall life satisfaction for all residents.

Following the release of the latest results, the Department of Community Development has called on residents to participate in the sixth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey. Public engagement is considered critical to ensuring policies remain reflective of community needs and aspirations.

“Our collective progress depends on hearing every voice,” the Department noted in a statement. “We encourage all residents to share their experiences, challenges, and hopes so we can continue to build a community where everyone thrives.”

With over 200 nationalities calling Abu Dhabi home, the emirate offers a unique blend of safety, opportunity, and inclusivity. Beyond basic measures of well-being, the city consistently ranks highly in global assessments of quality of life, thanks in part to its innovation-driven environment and commitment to human development.

While happiness is a subjective and complex metric, the Department emphasises that it is closely linked to tangible aspects such as healthcare access, education, employment, social engagement, and safety. The OECD’s 11 key dimensions for measuring quality of life — spanning areas from income to civic engagement — align with Abu Dhabi’s policy frameworks, ensuring a holistic approach to public welfare.

By continuing to integrate international best practices and prioritising resident feedback, Abu Dhabi aims to set new global standards for sustainable and inclusive urban living.