‘Every country in the world has a Wrexham’: Ryan Reynolds tells Tyler Brûlé what makes a liveable city

This month, the Monocle team touched down at Livex Abu Dhabi – the UAE’s inaugural Liveability and Investment Exhibition – to talk about initiatives close to our heart: making cities more liveable and joyful, and home to a better quality of life. 

Ryan Reynolds – who was named chief island officer of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in 2024 – was on stage in conversation with Monocle’s editorial director and chairman, Tyler Brûlé. Reynolds drew on his experiences across acting, business, branding and building a sense of place. The pair considered what makes communities thrive beyond good weather or a beautiful landscape. A liveable city, they believe, doesn’t necessarily translate to living in a paradise – but to somewhere with a sense of identity and pride.