The UAE has been named the world’s safest country for the second consecutive year, while Abu Dhabi extended its remarkable run as the world’s safest city to a tenth straight year, according to new 2026 data from global statistics platform Numbeo.
A Decade of Dominance for Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi posted a Safety Index score of 89.0 in Numbeo’s 2026 rankings, retaining the top spot among more than 400 cities worldwide for the tenth year running since 2017. The capital’s score reflects strong performance in key areas such as safety walking alone during both day and night, supported by AI-powered predictive policing and smart surveillance systems.
Four UAE Cities in the Global Top Six
Beyond Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah ranked second, third, and fourth safest cities in the world respectively, with Dubai placing sixth overall despite its scale as a major international business and tourism hub. All four UAE cities ranked lowest globally on Numbeo’s Crime Index, reinforcing the country’s broader safety profile.
What Is Driving the UAE’s Safety Reputation
At the national level, the UAE scored 86.0 on Numbeo’s Safety Index, retaining the world’s safest country title for a second straight year ahead of Qatar, Taiwan, and Macao. Nearly one in five expatriates surveyed in 2025 said they wanted to stay in the UAE permanently, citing safety and quality of life as key reasons.
Why This Matters for Residents and Investors
Dubai’s safe-haven status has been cited as a major factor behind its growing population of high-net-worth residents, with the city home to more than 86,000 millionaires as of mid-2025. Officials say the consistent safety rankings continue to support tourism, foreign investment, and long-term relocation decisions across the Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Abu Dhabi been ranked the world’s safest city?
Abu Dhabi has topped Numbeo’s global safety rankings for ten consecutive years since 2017.
Where does Dubai rank among the world’s safest cities?
Dubai ranked sixth globally in 2026, behind Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah.
Is the UAE the safest country in the world?
Yes, the UAE was ranked the world’s safest country for the second consecutive year in Numbeo’s 2026 index.
