There are cities that enchant for their landscape, others for their safety and quality of life. But there is one that managed to bring all this together and still achieve a remarkable feat: it was voted the happiest city in the world for Americans, with almost all of its residents claiming to live there with complete satisfaction.
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, won first place in the most recent global analysis by the American magazine Time Out. The study, cited by the British newspaper Daily Mail, interviewed 18 thousand people in various cities around the world, asking them to evaluate their level of happiness and emotional connection with the place where they live. The result left no room for doubt: 99% of Abu Dhabi residents said that the city makes them happy.
A city that inspires happiness
Residents were asked to react to statements such as “my city makes me happy” and “I find joy in the daily experiences it offers me”. The overwhelming majority responded positively, with 93% saying they feel happier in Abu Dhabi than anywhere else.
The city, known for its hospitality, cleanliness and modernity, combines skyscrapers considered impressive by the same source, luxury shopping centers and white sand beaches with one of the best planned urban infrastructures in the Middle East. For many, Abu Dhabi is an example of how rapid development can coexist with a high quality of life.
Sun, safety and quality of life
Abu Dhabi stands out not only for its sunny climate and modern landscape, but also for its level of security and urban organization, considered among the best in the world. It is a city that manages to maintain a calm environment, despite being one of the main financial and energy centers on the planet.
The quality of public services, access to modern healthcare and social welfare policies contribute to the feeling of stability that residents report. The presence of green spaces, wide avenues and clean beaches creates a feeling of tranquility that contrasts with the intense rhythm of large western metropolises.
Between luxury and tradition
The capital of the United Arab Emirates is also a meeting point between Arab tradition and Western modernity. While the markets and mosques preserve their historic charm, the futuristic buildings, five-star hotels and cultural centers such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi showcase the city’s innovative and cosmopolitan side.
Visitors will find an almost inexhaustible range of leisure and entertainment, says the same source: from Ferrari World, the first theme park inspired by the Italian brand, to Yas Waterworld, one of the largest water parks in the Middle East. These spaces reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a global tourist destination.
A paradise with high costs
Despite widespread optimism, living in Abu Dhabi is not cheap. British Rachel Burns, who moved to the “happiest city in the world” in 2021, explained that the cost of living can be surprising. Although the country is known for not charging income taxes, daily expenses are high: annual rents exceeding 12 thousand pounds (around 14 thousand euros), air conditioning bills paid in deposits and food products priced well above those charged in the United Kingdom.
According to Burns, cited by the same source, many expatriates are attracted by the sun and the luxurious lifestyle, but end up realizing that maintaining this standard requires a considerable budget.
Other cities in the ranking
Time Out also highlighted other cities where happiness is high. Medellín, Colombia, came in second place, followed by Cape Town, South Africa. Mexico City and Mumbai completed the top five. Among the Portuguese, the city of Porto stands out.
A symbol of global well-being
For Abu Dhabi, this recognition consolidates its image as a model city in terms of quality of life, safety and infrastructure. With a balance between tradition and progress, the capital of the United Arab Emirates shows that urban happiness can result from both careful planning and a culture that values well-being and hospitality, according to .
In an era where large metropolises face housing, traffic and inequality challenges, Abu Dhabi emerges as an example of how a modern city can offer its inhabitants something simple, but rare: the genuine feeling of being at home where you live.
Also read:
