It boasts skyscrapers, luxurious shopping centres, white sand beaches and numerous major attractions.
What’s more, it has even been labelled the world’s happiest city after raving reviews from the local residents.
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, took the crown in Time Out’s analysis.
After asking 18,000 people to rate their local area, the publication found the Middle Eastern city bagged a near-perfect score.
An impressive 99 per cent of Abu Dhabi locals admitted the city made them happy.
Residents were asked to rate how much they agreed with statements including ‘I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers’ and ‘My city makes me happy’.
A whopping 93 per cent of participants said they felt happier at home in the city compared to anywhere else.
Abu Dhabi has plenty of attractions and sights to keep locals and visitors busy, including Yas Waterworld and the world’s first Ferrari-inspired theme park.
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, took the crown in Time Out’s analysis
After asking 18,000 people to rate their local area, the publication found the Middle Eastern city bagged a near-perfect score
Colombian city Medellín placed second and 97 per cent of residents said they find joy in their every day experiences there.
The second largest city in the country, Medellín is located in a narrow valley and boasts an impressive skyline.
Meanwhile, Cape Town in South Africa came third and residents enjoy its stunning beaches and range of restaurants.
Some 97 per cent of Cape Town locals told the survey the city makes them feel happy.
Mexico City followed in fourth, while Mumbai, India, came fifth.
While two UK destinations made the top 20 happiest cities – Brighton and Glasgow.
Abu Dhabi might be the happiest place to live, but it can also be expensive, as one Brit who moved there in 2021 revealed.
Rachel Burns, 35, was drawn in by the sunshine, beaches, and luxury lifestyle she saw in a friend’s social media posts.
An impressive 99 per cent of Abu Dhabi locals admitted the city made them happy
But after three years in the Gulf state, she says many people have no idea how expensive everyday life really is – from rent paid in huge lump sums to £14 meat and sky-high grocery bills.
Despite the UAE being a tax-free haven, Rachel revealed she pays a staggering £12,700 a year in rent, which must be paid in six-month or annual lump sums.
On top of that, a £500 (5 per cent) commission fee is required, as well as a £600 deposit for air conditioning along with £100-a-month usage fees.
Phone contracts, clothes, and other essentials are also more expensive than in the UK – especially if you want Western goods.
The 20 happiest cities Abu Dhabi, UAEMedellín, Colombia Cape Town, South Africa Mexico City, Mexico Mumbai, India Beijing, China Shanghai, China Chicago, US Seville, SpainMelbourne, Australia Brighton, UK Porto, PortugalSydney, Australia Chiang Mai, Thailand Marrakech, MoroccoDubai, UAE Hanoi, Vietnam Jakarta, Indonesia Valencia, Spain Glasgow, UK
Source: Time Out
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The world’s happiest city revealed by locals – and a Middle Eastern location takes the crown
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