Abu Dhabi has solidified its status as one of the leading global cities in quality of life, safety, and happiness, according to the findings from the fifth iteration of the Quality of Life Survey conducted by the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi for the year 2024. The survey revealed that 93.6% of Abu Dhabi residents feel safe walking alone at night, underscoring its ranking as the safest city in the world for 2025, as reflected in global safety indicators.

Additionally, the emirate experienced an increase in happiness levels, with a happiness index score of 7.74 out of 10, up from 7.63 in the third survey cycle.

Over 100,000 individuals from 190 different nationalities participated in the survey, which assessed 14 key indicators related to social affairs, such as housing, employment opportunities and income, household wealth, work-life balance, health, education and skills, personal safety and security, social relationships, environmental quality, social services, digital quality of life, and overall happiness and well-being.

Two additional indicators were developed in cooperation between the department and the OECD, focusing on community cohesion and social participation to gauge community resilience and engagement in Abu Dhabi.

The survey outcomes indicated that 75.6% of residents reported having a strong social support network, highlighting the significance of community cohesion within the ongoing 'Year of Community'.

Furthermore, volunteer participation among residents stood at 34.3%, demonstrating a strong sense of community spirit.

The Department of Community Development has encouraged residents to participate in the sixth iteration of the Quality of Life Survey, urging individuals to voice their aspirations and challenges across various life aspects.

Sheikhha Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at the department, remarked that the results reflect the emirate's strategic efforts to enhance quality of life.

The Quality of Life Survey illustrates Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to developing innovative policies that prioritize individual well-being, emphasizing collaborative efforts across various sectors to foster a safe and sustainable environment where residents feel stability and prosperity.

Al Hosani noted that the high security rate in Abu Dhabi, increased happiness levels, and rising life expectancy all serve as indicators of the government's successful socio-economic development policies.

She added that the emirate continues to design policies and develop initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all community members and meeting their aspirations.

Recently, the opening of the 'Nabdh Al-Falah' community center exemplifies the tangible realization of community voices, aiming to provide an integrated platform for activities, programs, and events targeting all community segments.

With Abu Dhabi continuing its efforts in digital transformation, the survey highlighted a rise in digital well-being, indicating residents' easy and efficient access to digital services.

However, the findings also revealed growing concerns regarding the psychological impacts of technology, suggesting the need for balanced policies that support mental health and social engagement in the digital age.

In terms of work-life balance, the survey results indicated that working hours remain elevated compared to the OECD average, underscoring the necessity for strategies that promote work-life balance to sustain community quality of life.

The Department of Community Development relies on the Quality of Life Survey results as a fundamental tool for developing social and economic policies, ensuring a balanced and sustainable community environment.

Through collaborative efforts with various partners, the department aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and support community solidarity to secure a prosperous future for all Abu Dhabi residents.