Abu Dhabi has been named the world’s happiest city for 2025, while Dubai ranked 16th on the list of the 20 happiest cities worldwide, according to the Time Out Index 2025, which is based on positive feedback from city residents.
The index placed Abu Dhabi at the top, followed by Medellín, Cape Town, and Mexico City. Mumbai secured fifth position, with Beijing and Shanghai ranking sixth and seventh, respectively. Chicago, Seville, and Melbourne completed the top ten.
Other cities featured in the ranking include Brighton, Porto, Sydney, Chiang Mai, and Marrakech, with Dubai taking the 16th spot. Hanoi, Jakarta, Valencia, and Glasgow rounded out the top 20.
The report highlights that the rankings were determined by residents’ perceptions of quality of life, community connection, and personal fulfilment. Time Out’s happiness index was measured through responses to five key statements reflecting urban joy and satisfaction — including how happy people feel living in their city, their sense of belonging, and how much happiness their city brings to daily life.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
