Think you live in one of the top places in the world? You’re right. Abu Dhabi has just been named number 30 on Time Out’s global list of the 37 best cities in the world 2021. And not only that – Abu Dhabi has been voted the third-most ‘relaxing’ city in the world.
Earlier this year we asked you what you thought about your city – and you answered. 2021 marked the fourth annual Time Out Index – a global poll asking 27,000 city dwellers from San Francisco to Singapore and Melbourne to Madrid their thoughts about their city.
And Abu Dhabi came in at number 30. It ranked particularly strongly in the relaxing category, coming in third just behind Copenhagen in first place and Prague in second. And with a wealth of beaches, parks and some top attractions to blow off steam at (hello, Ferrari World and the world’s fastest roller coaster), it’s not surprising that 72 percent of Abu Dhabians classed their city as relaxing.
Plus, 99 percent said that they wouldn’t describe the city as overcrowded – and in a year when social distancing are buzzwords, this has been very welcome.
During the pandemic cities around the globe have adapted and communities rallied. And to recognise all the great things our cities have achieved over the past 18 months, Time Out launched the Time Out Index.
Time Out globally wanted to know what city dwellers around the world are feeling, thinking, eating and doing for fun? And which are the best cities for living life to the full? From food and fun to culture and creativity, we wanted to know the best things about the city. We also asked about community spirit, sustainability and innovation.
And Abu Dhabi has pulled out all the stops to keep the city running over the past year, with new openings and live music and events making a return to the UAE capital. Thanks to a massive vaccination programme, strict guidelines and social distancing the city has been resilient. Which has been shown in its ranking in the best cities in the world list.
Topping the global list was San Francisco, coming in at number one, being deemed progressive, sustainable and accepting, followed by Amsterdam in second place and Manchester in third.
Meanwhile, Dubai also made the list of the top 37 best cities in the world, clocking in at number 26. It was also named the most ambitious in the world. For more on that, click here.
Here are the top ten cities in 2021:
1. San Francisco
2. Amsterdam
3. Manchester
4. Copenhagen
5. New York
6. Montreal
7. Prague
8. Tel Aviv
9. Porto
10. Tokyo
Want to know the complete rankings, or just planning your next trip abroad?
For a full list of Time Out’s best cities in the world in 2021, click here.
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