Abu Dhabi ranks second globally in resident satisfaction
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI) Abu Dhabi has emerged as one of the world's most admired cities, ranking second globally in resident satisfaction, according to Gensler's newly released City Pulse 2025 findings. The report aims to provide an alternative metric for measuring emotional connection alongside factors like liveability and economic opportunity.The City Pulse 2025 report — based on insights from over 33,000 residents across 65 cities on six continents — found that 92% of Abu Dhabi residents were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their city, the second highest after Shanghai. Dubai ranked fourth with a score of 91%. 'UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition,' said Tim Martin, Co-Managing Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East.
Finding a Sense of Home Gensler's analysis suggests that satisfaction alone does not equate to loyalty. Residents are most likely to stay in places that not only provide top-class amenities but also those that foster strong emotional ties, including joy, pride, and a sense of home.'If the last two decades were about building world-class infrastructure, the next era must be about building world-class belonging,' Martin added. 'A truly magnetic city is one people don't just move to — it's one they stay in, raise families in, and feel deeply connected to. That's the opportunity for the UAE.'Martin said this insight is especially relevant for Abu Dhabi as it aligns with national strategies like 'We the UAE 2031 and Vision 2071', both of which aim emphasise human-centric growth and talent retention. He highlighted that the country had already taken proactive steps through Golden Visa programmes and innovation clusters designed to attract global talent. Gensler's report frames cities not just as economic engines but as 'emotional ecosystems.'Their findings show that one in three people globally is considering leaving their city, and the most important factor keeping them rooted isn't job opportunities or public services — it's whether they feel emotionally at home.Despite its success, Martin cautioned that Abu Dhabi was not immune to global trends. The report highlights affordability as the top global factor influencing residents' decisions to move. With rising living costs, even cities with high satisfaction scores must address economic inclusion to maintain long-term appeal, the report said. Gensler said that for Abu Dhabi, this means expanding beyond traditional infrastructure metrics and investing in community cohesion, accessible housing, and inclusive design that invites all residents to participate in city life.'As we look to the future, especially with Vision 2071 and 'We the UAE 2031' in mind, the challenge is not just to attract talent, but to root it,' Martin said.
'Long-term city vitality will depend on how emotionally connected residents feel, to their neighbourhoods, to public life and to the idea of staying for decades.'
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