Higher levels of happiness, safety, and family contentment reported in survey across the emirate.
The Department of Community Development (DCD) released the results of the sixth cycle of the Quality of Life Survey, highlighting steady improvements across several social indicators in the emirate.
Conducted in 2025, the survey recorded increased community participation, with 115,801 respondents—up from 51,413 in 2018. Officials said this growth reflects rising awareness among residents about the importance of contributing to policies and services that address their needs.
At the same time, the Department of Community Development (DCD) has launched the seventh cycle of the survey for 2026, which will run for three months and continue collecting community feedback.
Positive trends across key indicators
The latest results highlighted strong social cohesion, with satisfaction with family life rising to 78.4% from 70.9% the previous year, and satisfaction with social relationships reaching 75.8%.
Safety levels remained high, with 94.1% of respondents reporting that they feel safe walking at night. In the housing sector, satisfaction increased to 71.5%, reflecting enhancements in residential services and infrastructure.
Personal wellbeing indicators also showed improvement. The average happiness score rose to 7.88 out of 10, continuing an upward trend, while satisfaction with work-life balance increased to 51.1%, up from 46.8% in the previous cycle.
Supporting policy development
The Department of Community Development (DCD) noted that the survey plays a vital role in shaping social strategies and initiatives across Abu Dhabi. Over the years, the findings have informed programmes designed to meet community needs and enhance overall quality of life.
Dr Aref Al Hammadi said the survey is a key tool for capturing the voice of the community and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
He added that the results demonstrate a high level of trust and engagement from residents, while also highlighting areas that need further improvement.
Call for participation
The Department of Community Development (DCD) has invited residents to participate in the seventh cycle of the survey, emphasizing that every response helps build a more connected and supportive society. Officials stressed that community involvement is essential for enhancing services and ensuring policies address real needs.
High quality of life
Abu Dhabi continues to rank among the world’s leading cities for quality of life, driven by strong safety, infrastructure, and public services. The emirate also provides diverse lifestyle and recreational options, along with advanced healthcare and education systems.
Authorities stated that ongoing initiatives will continue to prioritise enhancing family wellbeing, improving work-life balance, and strengthening community cohesion across the emirate.
