Abu Dhabi Named 4th Best City in the World for Public Transport

The UAE capital is the only city in the Gulf to enter the global top five – ahead of cities like London, Vienna, and Singapore. The ranking highlights Abu Dhabi’s clean, efficient and affordable public transport system, which 88% of residents rated positively.

Although the city doesn’t yet have a metro, its public buses cover major areas such as Yas Island, Saadiyat, Jubail Island and the Grand Canal. Shuttle buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible, with real-time tracking available via the Darbi app. Abu Dhabi has also introduced a trackless tram system that operates through key parts of the city.

Sustainability was a key factor in the ranking – Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investments in low-emission and tech-driven mobility solutions are part of the emirate’s broader environmental goals.

The top three cities in the global list are Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, praised for their metro systems and advanced transport technology. Abu Dhabi placed just behind them in fourth, marking a significant achievement for the region.