Abu Dhabi has been recognized as the most walkable city globally, according to a recent survey conducted by Time Out Index. The UAE capital achieved this top ranking with an impressive 91 percent of locals rating its walkability as either “good” or “amazing.” This places Abu Dhabi ahead of any other city in the world for pedestrian-friendliness.

The city’s layout significantly contributes to this achievement. Abu Dhabi is characterized by its flat terrain, and Downtown Abu Dhabi features wide pavements, spacious boulevards, and palm-lined walkways. These elements create an inviting atmosphere for pedestrians, transforming city exploration into a leisurely experience rather than a tedious task.

A highlight of Abu Dhabi’s walkability is the Corniche, an 8-kilometer beachfront promenade along the Arabian Gulf. The Corniche offers shaded play areas, grassy picnic spots, bike paths, and stunning views toward Al Lulu Island. Additionally, other pedestrian-friendly areas like Reem Island and Yas Bay ensure that residents and visitors are always close to cafés and food trucks, enhancing the city’s vibrant social scene.

The benefits of walkable cities extend beyond personal health. They are known to enhance community interaction, support local businesses, and reduce carbon emissions. The positive impacts include cleaner air, improved mental health, and stronger local economies, making walkability an appealing urban feature.

In the ranking, Abu Dhabi surpassed Boston, which came in second at 89 percent, and Brighton, which scored 88 percent. Other notable cities in the top ten include New York, Edinburgh, and Marrakech, all recognized for their pedestrian-friendly environments.

As the survey indicates, if you’re looking for a city where walking is not only feasible but enjoyable, Abu Dhabi stands out as a prime destination. Just remember to bring your sunglasses on your strolls!

The full list of the 20 most walkable cities includes: 1. Abu Dhabi, UAE, 91 percent 2. Boston, US, 89 percent 3. Brighton, UK, 88 percent 4. New York, US, 87 percent 5. Bilbao, Spain, 86 percent = Chicago, US, 86 percent 7. Edinburgh, UK, 85 percent = Marrakech, Morocco, 85 percent 9. San Francisco, US, 83 percent 10. Cardiff, UK, 82 percent = Shanghai, China, 82 percent = Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 82 percent = Paris, France, 82 percent 14. Oslo, Norway, 81 percent = Stockholm, Sweden, 81 percent 16. Singapore, Singapore, 80 percent = Melbourne, Australia, 80 percent 18. London, UK, 79 percent = Lyon, France, 79 percent = Washington DC, US, 79 percent.