Abu Dhabi Has Been Named the Happiest City in the World
If you have ever wondered what it would feel like to live somewhere where happiness is practically built into the fabric of daily life, Abu Dhabi might just be your answer. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has officially claimed the title of the happiest city on the planet, and the ranking comes straight from the people who know it best: its own residents. According to data collected from those living in the city, an extraordinary 99 percent of Abu Dhabi’s population reported feeling genuinely happy and fulfilled in their day-to-day lives. That is a number that is nearly impossible to argue with.
What makes this result even more compelling is how deeply that contentment runs through the community. Around 93 percent of residents say they feel happiest specifically when they are at home in Abu Dhabi, which speaks volumes about the sense of belonging the city fosters. On top of that, 96 percent of people noticed that their neighbors also seemed to carry a noticeably more positive and cheerful outlook on life. There is something powerful about living in a place where good moods appear to be contagious, and Abu Dhabi seems to have cracked that code in a way few cities in the world have managed.
The city’s design plays a big role in all of this too. Abu Dhabi is widely recognized as one of the most walkable cities in the region, packed with green spaces and a rich variety of cultural offerings that genuinely improve quality of life for everyone who calls it home. It is the kind of place where the environment itself seems engineered to make people feel good, from well-maintained public parks to world-class museums and art institutions that give residents a true sense of cultural richness and pride.
Mariana Serceira, editor of Time Out Abu Dhabi, pointed to a few more reasons why people in the city tend to feel so satisfied. She highlighted the city’s incredibly diverse food scene and its stunning urban beaches as major contributors to resident happiness. She also noted that while Abu Dhabi may have a slightly more relaxed pace compared to neighboring Dubai, that does not mean it is lacking in excitement or things to do. In her words, it is simply not boring, which for many people is exactly the right balance.
@costeenhatzi One of my favourite experiences 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Private Catamaran at the Louvre Museum #abudhabi #louvremuseum #dubai ♬ Aayshalak – Elissa
For anyone thinking about visiting, Serceira recommends heading to Saadiyat Island for a truly relaxing seaside experience. Art lovers should make a point of visiting the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum, and no trip would be complete without wrapping up the evening watching what she describes as a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Gulf. Just behind Abu Dhabi on the global happiness ranking sits Medellin, Colombia, where 97 percent of residents say they find joy in everyday moments. Rounding out the top three is Cape Town, South Africa, which Time Out also named the best city overall for 2025.
Share your thoughts on Abu Dhabi as the world’s happiest city, and whether it is a destination you would consider visiting, in the comments!
