Survey Lists Abu Dhabi as One of the Safest, Happiest Cities

Turns out, life in Abu Dhabi is looking better than ever.

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A new Quality of Life survey by the Department of Community

Development has confirmed what residents already feel, Abu Dhabi is one of the safest, happiest, and most livable cities in the world.

The fifth cycle of this major field study, completed in 2024 with input from over 100,000 residents across 190 nationalities, shows that happiness levels are on the rise. The emirate’s happiness index jumped from 7.63 to 7.74 out of 10, and a staggering 93.6% of residents said they feel safe walking alone at night, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s spot as the safest city in the world for 2025, according to international safety rankings.

What the survey revealed

This isn’t just about safety and smiles, Abu Dhabi’s progress spans across 14 key areas, from housing and income to digital life and the environment. The survey even introduced two new indicators this year: social cohesion and civic participation, highlighting just how involved and connected people feel within their communities.

• 75.6% of residents said they have strong social support networks
• 34.3% reported taking part in volunteer work
• Abu Dhabi’s digital services also earned high marks for speed and accessibility

These numbers paint a picture of a community that’s not just surviving, but thriving.

A focus on people and progress

Sheikha Al Hosani, Executive Director at the Department of Community Development, said the results reflect the government’s commitment to creating a city where people genuinely want to live and grow.

“We’re seeing real progress in safety, happiness, and well-being. These aren’t just stats, they’re signs that our policies are working,” she said.

The recent opening of the Nabd Al Falah Community Centre was highlighted as a major step in turning community feedback into real, everyday benefits. The centre offers activities and services designed for all age groups and backgrounds, and is part of a larger vision of connected, inclusive living.

Digital growth, but with mindfulness

Abu Dhabi has made big strides in digital life too. Residents are enjoying smoother access to government and daily services thanks to better tech infrastructure. But the survey also flagged growing concerns about the mental impact of digital overuse, suggesting a need for policies that balance tech convenience with emotional well-being.

Work-life balance still needs attention

Despite all the positives, there’s one area where residents say there’s still room for improvement, work-life balance. The average number of working hours in Abu Dhabi remains higher than in many OECD countries, making it an important area of focus moving forward.

Why this matters

This annual Quality of Life Survey helps shape Abu Dhabi’s future. By listening to the people who live here, policymakers can make smarter decisions that support everything from economic growth to mental health. And with over 200 nationalities calling the emirate home, it’s a truly global benchmark for inclusive urban living.

Looking ahead

The Department of Community Development is now gearing up for the sixth edition of the survey, and they want everyone’s voice to be heard.

“We can’t move forward without understanding what matters most to the people who live here,” they said in a statement.

Abu Dhabi isn’t just chasing rankings. It’s building a future where safety, happiness, and opportunity aren’t luxuries, they’re the everyday experience.