Abu Dhabi Quality of Life Survey Shows Strong Growth

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has released the results of the sixth cycle of its Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2025, revealing steady progress across key social and well-being indicators. At the same time, the authority has launched the seventh cycle for 2026, which began in March and will continue for three months.

The survey continues to play a vital role in shaping policies by capturing public feedback and supporting data-driven decision-making. Participation has seen a significant rise since the initiative began, increasing from 51,413 respondents in 2018 to 115,801 in 2025. This growth reflects heightened public awareness and willingness to contribute to community development.

According to the sixth cycle findings, social cohesion indicators remain strong. Satisfaction with social relationships reached 75.8%, while satisfaction with family life rose to 78.4%, marking a notable improvement from 70.9% in the previous year.

Safety levels in the emirate also remain exceptionally high, with 94.1% of respondents reporting that they feel safe walking at night. In the housing sector, satisfaction climbed to 71.5%, highlighting continued improvements in residential infrastructure and living conditions.

On the personal well-being front, the average happiness score increased to 7.88 out of 10, continuing a consistent upward trend over recent years. Work-life balance satisfaction also improved, rising to 51.1% compared to 46.8% in the previous cycle.

DCD noted that insights from previous surveys have directly contributed to the development and implementation of several social strategies and initiatives, translating data into impactful programs that benefit diverse segments of society.

Dr. Aref Al Hammadi, Acting Director General for Strategic and Digital Affairs, emphasized that the survey is a cornerstone for understanding community needs. He highlighted that the latest results reflect strong public trust and engagement, while also helping identify areas requiring further improvement.

The department has invited residents to participate in the seventh cycle, stressing that community input is essential for enhancing public services and building a more inclusive and cohesive society.

DCD reaffirmed that active community participation remains central to designing effective policies and improving overall quality of life in Abu Dhabi.