When the city makes us happy

Have you ever considered how the appearance of your city affects your daily psychological state? How do the sidewalks, buildings, and green spaces make you feel reassured or anxious? Cities are not just places we live; they are environments that directly shape our quality of life and happiness.

Since the beginning of urbanization, cities have undergone profound transformations, from narrow pedestrian alleys to wide, car-dominated streets. This transformation has changed our relationship with the city and, with it, our perception of happiness.

The City as a Source of Comfort... or Stress

Research suggests that city design profoundly impacts the happiness and sense of belonging of its residents. When a city contains spacious, multi-use public spaces, such as wide, tree-lined sidewalks, open parks, and community meeting areas, people feel part of a neighborhood fabric that invites interaction, not isolation.

Communities that encourage social and daily interaction through public spaces are more successful in creating a collective sense of trust and belonging. Happiness here doesn't just mean a temporary feeling of joy but feeling seen, welcomed, and active within one's community.

Smart Planning Enhances Life

City planning experts now agree that reducing car use and encouraging residents to walk or use public transportation contributes to improving quality of life. Walking improves physical health, promotes spontaneous human interaction, stimulates the local economy, and reduces pollution.

While we value privacy, strong human relationships remain the determining factor in quality of life. Cities that encourage encounters, mutual glances, and spontaneous smiles produce happier and safer citizens.

The United Arab Emirates: A Model of Urban Happiness

According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, the UAE topped Arab countries in happiness indicators, ranking 21st globally.

This is due to a set of smart policies and practices, including:

Significant investments in sustainable infrastructure and public facilities.

The existence of a comprehensive social support system in health, education, and housing.

High indicators of personal freedom and economic opportunity.

Increasing government awareness of the importance of urban quality of life.

This has enabled the UAE to present a model for a modern Arab city that places people at the core of its planning and makes happiness a clear national goal.

What does the World Happiness Report say?

The World Happiness Report, published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network since 2012, measures happiness in more than 140 countries based on various criteria, most notably:

Per capita GDP

Social support

Healthy life expectancy

Personal freedom

Generosity and community solidarity

Levels of trust and corruption

One of the most revealing questions in the report is:

"If you lost your wallet, do you think you would get it back if your neighbor, a stranger, or the police found it?" This question measures societal trust, an essential component of happiness and security.

When the City Becomes a Shared Project

Urban happiness isn't achieved solely through planning but rather through people feeling like partners in the city, not just residents. A thriving town allows you to walk safely, sit in a park without stress, meet people who smile at you for no reason, and chat with neighbors without fear.

Ultimately, the city isn't a place we live in but an entity we create together.

Let's create cities that resemble our dreams.

Cities reflect our choices, our way of life, and our values. When we rethink their planning from a sustainable, humane perspective, we aren't looking for a perfect city but rather a compassionate one that respects and upholds human dignity.

💬 Invitation to Dialogue:

Does your city affect your mood and happiness?

What do you love or miss about your urban environment?

In your opinion, how can we make our cities more humane?

📬 Share your thoughts in the comments