Abu Dhabi Ranks in Time Out’s 50 Best Cities Globally

Big news for Abu Dhabi – the city has just secured a spot in Time Out's prestigious list of the 50 best cities in the world right now! This ranking is based on a global survey that asks city-dwellers about everything that makes a city great, from food and nightlife to culture, affordability, happiness, and overall vibes.

This year, Abu Dhabi came in at a solid 46th place. And with all that’s happening in the UAE capital, it’s no surprise that it made the cut.

What’s Driving Abu Dhabi’s Success?

Abu Dhabi has been buzzing with excitement this year, making it one of the most dynamic cities worldwide. The city has become a hotspot for major events, including a growing list of concerts and festivals. And if that wasn’t enough, the Saadiyat Cultural District is now home to four incredible new museums. Let’s not forget about the buzz around Harry Potter World, which has added a magical new element to the city’s attractions.

Plus, Abu Dhabi’s embracing cutting-edge tech innovations, making it a place for both the present and future. From culture to entertainment, the capital is definitely one of the most exciting cities on the planet right now.

Happiness is Key

Here’s the cherry on top – Abu Dhabi is also ranked the happiest city on the list. According to the survey, 99% of locals say living in the UAE capital makes them happy. What's more, 96% think people here have a positive attitude, and 93% find joy in everyday life around the city. Looks like the city’s vibe is all about good energy!

Time Out’s Top 10 Cities in the World

While Abu Dhabi made a solid appearance at number 46, here are the top 10 cities that grabbed the highest spots in Time Out’s rankings:

1. Cape Town
2. Bangkok
3. New York
4. Melbourne
5. London
6. New Orleans
7. Mexico City
8. Porto
9. Shanghai
10. Copenhagen

Notably, Dubai also made the list, ranking at number 24. It was named the fourth-happiest city and scored high marks for its dining scene and quality of life.

How Time Out Picks the Best Cities

Time Out’s best cities list is based on a survey of 18,500 respondents, and this year, more questions focused on what makes a city feel like home. This helped highlight factors like livability, as well as opinions from Time Out’s global team of city experts who cast their votes for the most exciting places right now.

By combining the views of locals and experts, Time Out’s 2025 ranking of the world’s best cities has emerged. And Abu Dhabi’s inclusion is a testament to how much the city continues to thrive and inspire.

So, if you haven’t experienced Abu Dhabi yet, now’s the time to visit and see what’s making it one of the happiest and most exciting cities in the world!