Time Out Magazine has just released its list of the top 20 cultural cities worldwide, and Abu Dhabi has officially earned a spot. Ranked 20th on the list, the UAE capital joins cities like Paris (1st place), Florence (2nd), Edinburgh (3rd), Mexico City (4th), and Sydney (5th) as a recognised cultural powerhouse.
The ranking is based on a global survey of 18,500 locals and the opinions of Time Out editors and cultural critics. Respondents rated their city’s arts, events, affordability, and overall vibrancy — and 86% of those in Abu Dhabi praised their cultural scene, with 67% noting its accessibility.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape is expanding quickly and with purpose. Leading the charge is teamLab Phenomena, the latest immersive digital art installation on Saadiyat Island, created by Japan’s renowned teamLab collective. Not far away, Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to host major exhibitions, currently showing “Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power” in partnership with Paris’s Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.
The future promises even more. Soon, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum will open their doors, further cementing Saadiyat Cultural District as a major global arts hub.
On the large-scale events front, locals voted the Sheikh Zayed Festival as the city’s standout cultural celebration. Held annually, it blends live music, folk dance, fireworks, drone shows, and traditional sporting competitions into one massive celebration.
Abu Dhabi’s inclusion in the list is more than recognition — it’s a reflection of the city’s vision to be a global cultural leader. With new venues, international collaborations, and an emphasis on accessibility, the capital’s creative scene is set to grow even stronger in the years ahead.
