Dubai remains the preferred place to live for nearly 95% of residents, according to the Community Development Authority’s (CDA) latest Social Survey for 2024–2025, with respondents citing safety, religious freedom and quality of life as key drivers. The survey also found that 96.4% of UAE residents are proud to live in Dubai, while average happiness and life satisfaction scores reached 8.6 and 8.72 out of 10 respectively. Conducted during the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, the eighth edition of the survey highlights continued strength in social cohesion, family stability and inclusivity across the emirate.
Original article: Dubai tops as 95% pick it as preferred home by Gulf News.
Key Insights:
Family Cohesion and Quality of Life Remain Key Strengths
The survey’s Family Bond Index reached 95.3%, indicating the importance of family ties in supporting social stability and aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
Broader quality-of-life indicators also remained resilient across multiple demographic groups. Among senior citizens and elderly residents, the happiness index stood at 86.8%, reflecting what the CDA described as strong social support systems and access to community services.
Social cohesion indicators contributed to continued community engagement, although activity appears increasingly driven by targeted participation and support networks. Around 84% of residents said they have someone they can rely on during difficult times, while volunteerism increased from 8.4% to 13.2%, signaling rising civic engagement across the emirate.
Inclusivity and Digital Connectivity Continue to Support Social Stability
More than 90% of People of Determination reported feeling integrated into society, supported by access to education and essential services. Awareness of community majalis among Emiratis also rose to 92.6%, with attendance increasing over recent years as these forums continue to serve as channels for dialogue and social connection.
Dubai’s digital infrastructure remains a significant enabler of social development, with 98.6% of households reporting internet access, reinforcing the emirate’s near-universal connectivity levels.
On the economic side, the survey highlighted growing entrepreneurial ambitions among Emiratis. Around 30.3% cited business-related borrowing as a primary financial motivation, indicating continued interest in enterprise creation and financial independence, even as more selective demand and cautious borrowing conditions persist globally.
CDA: Survey Supports Long-Term Policy Planning
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, said the findings demonstrate Dubai’s continued progress towards its long-term development objectives.
“The results of the eighth cycle reaffirm that Dubai continues to progress steadily towards its development goals, placing people and families at the center of its priorities. This enhances quality of life and reinforces societal stability, in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33,” said Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General, Community Development Authority.
She added that the survey functions as a strategic policy tool designed to monitor social trends and support government decision-making through advanced analytics and interactive data systems.
The Social Survey evaluates seven core pillars, including quality of life, family cohesion, social inclusion, financial well-being and digital life, providing policymakers with a broad view of Dubai’s evolving social landscape.
The latest findings prove that Dubai’s social indicators remain strong despite more measured global economic conditions, with authorities continuing to prioritize resilience, inclusivity, and long-term community development.
