Abu Dhabi has strengthened its status as one of the world’s leading cities for quality of life, safety, and happiness, according to the latest findings from the fifth Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2024 by the Department of Community Development — Abu Dhabi (DCD).

The survey revealed that an impressive 93.6% of residents feel safe walking alone at night. This statistic underscores the emirate’s recognition as the world’s safest city in 2025, as reflected in global indicators. Additionally, the Happiness indicator increased to 7.74 out of 10, up from 7.63 in the previous cycle of the survey.

More than 100,000 individuals from 190 different nationalities participated in this comprehensive survey, which assessed 14 key social well-being indicators. These indicators included housing, job opportunities, family income, health, education, personal security, social relations, civic participation, environmental quality, and overall well-being.

The results highlighted that 75.6% of residents benefit from a strong social support network, emphasizing the significance of social cohesion during the “Year of Community.” Furthermore, the rate of volunteering participation stood at 34.3%, showcasing a robust community spirit among the residents.

The Department of Community Development encourages all community members to participate in the upcoming sixth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey to share their aspirations and challenges in various life aspects.

H.E Eng. Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, stated that the survey results reflect the emirate’s strategic efforts to enhance quality of life. She emphasized that the Quality of Life Survey demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing innovative policies that prioritize individual well-being. Alhosani noted that collaborative efforts across different sectors are critical in creating a secure and sustainable environment where residents feel stable and thrive.

Alhosani also mentioned that high safety levels, increased happiness, and longer life expectancy are indicators of the success of Abu Dhabi’s governmental policies in promoting social, health, and economic development. She remarked that during the Year of Community, the focus remains on shaping policies and developing programs to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Recent initiatives, such as the opening of the ‘Nabdh Al Falah Community hub,’ serve as examples of transforming community feedback into actionable programs. This hub aims to provide an integrated platform offering activities and initiatives to cater to all segments of society.

The survey results also indicated a rise in digital well-being, with residents enjoying efficient access to digital services. However, it also revealed growing concerns about the psychological impacts of technology, stressing the need for balanced policies that support mental health and social interaction in the digital age.

Regarding work-life balance, the findings showed that working hours in Abu Dhabi exceed the OECD average, highlighting a need for strategies that better support personal and professional balance to sustain quality of life in the community.

The Department of Community Development utilizes the Quality of Life Survey results as a key tool for formulating social and economic policies. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the department aims to foster sustainable livelihoods and promote social cohesion, ensuring a prosperous future for all residents of Abu Dhabi.