Why Abu Dhabi is the Happiest City on Earth and What It Says About the UAE’s Vision.

Abu Dhabi has been crowned the world’s happiest city in 2025 — and behind the headline lies a much deeper story.

According to Time Out’s global survey, 99% of Abu Dhabi residents say the city makes them happy, 96% feel positive energy from others, and 93% say they’re happier here than anywhere else. It’s a powerful statement about what the UAE has achieved — a nation that values not just infrastructure and innovation, but emotional well-being and community.

Abu Dhabi’s formula for happiness blends modernity with warmth. Its walkable streets, cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and abundant green spaces create a sense of calm in an otherwise fast-paced world. Safety and inclusivity add to this foundation, allowing residents from every background to feel at home.

The UAE’s achievement goes beyond Abu Dhabi. With Dubai ranking #16, the nation has proven that happiness can be built into the design of its cities — through visionary leadership, sustainability, and human-centered planning.

In a global era that often measures success by GDP or skyscraper height, the UAE reminds the world that the greatest measure of progress is simple: how happy people feel where they live.