Abu Dhabi puts quality of life at the heart of urban planning

Abu Dhabi has become a model city that prioritizes residents' quality of life, going beyond infrastructure development to focus on everyday details such as roads, mobility networks, cycling tracks, pedestrian pathways, public spaces, shaded areas and pet parks. This comprehensive approach aims to improve mobility, comfort and accessibility for both residents and visitors.

The emirate consistently ranks first among Middle East and North Africa cities in the 2026 Global Liveability Index, as reported by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). This ranking underscores Abu Dhabi's progress in creating an integrated urban environment that places quality of life at the forefront of planning and development.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) attributes this achievement to the attention given to the finer details that shape daily experiences across the city, reflecting an integrated approach aimed at enhancing overall quality of life. The EIU's Global Liveability Index evaluates living conditions in 173 cities worldwide using over 30 indicators across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi is actively implementing this vision through the development of roads, interconnected mobility networks, cycling routes, pedestrian pathways and public spaces designed to cater to various societal segments. The city also focuses on details such as shaded areas and community facilities to enhance residents' comfort and interaction with their surroundings.

The Liveability Design Framework, recently launched by the DMT, places quality of life at the heart of planning and design for major urban projects spanning more than 2,000 residents. This framework focuses on creating walkable neighborhoods, connected mobility networks, vibrant public spaces and accessible environments tailored to different community groups.

Abu Dhabi's shift from a project-centric to a resident-centric urban development model emphasizes the impact of infrastructure on residents' daily experiences. The city's commitment to liveability is set to be showcased at the inaugural LIFEX 2026 Global Quality of Life and Investment Exhibition, which will highlight Abu Dhabi's urban development expertise and quality of life initiatives to an international audience.