From Abu Dhabi to Dubai, UAE tops world safety rankings for 2026
Five cities placed among the world’s safest urban destinations
DUBAI – Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to mean more than just world-class infrastructure and lifestyle offerings.
According to Numbeo’s Global Safety Index 2026, the country has once again set itself apart as one of the safest places on the planet. Out of more than 400 cities assessed worldwide, UAE cities dominate the top of the rankings, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for security, stability and quality of life.
The index, based on user-contributed data and perceptions of safety, including walking alone during the day and at night, places multiple UAE cities among the world’s safest, outperforming many major capitals and developed economies.
World’s safest cities in UAE
Abu Dhabi retained its position as the world’s safest city for the tenth consecutive year, ranking first overall in the 2026 index. The capital’s continued leadership highlights a decade of consistent focus on public safety, advanced policing strategies, smart technologies and community engagement.
The UAE’s strong showing extends well beyond the capital. Ras Al Khaimah secured second place globally, followed by Ajman in third. Sharjah ranked fifth, while Dubai placed sixth worldwide, giving the UAE five cities within the global top six.
Dubai’s high ranking stands out given its scale and international profile. As one of the world’s busiest tourism and business centres, the emirate hosts millions of residents, professionals and visitors each year. Its sixth-place position globally underlines the effectiveness of its safety framework and reinforces confidence in the city’s live-work-play environment. The result further strengthens Dubai’s appeal as a global lifestyle destination, where entertainment, commerce and daily life operate within a secure and well-managed urban setting.
GCC cities
Beyond the UAE, several GCC and Arab cities also performed strongly in Numbeo’s Global Safety Index 2026. Doha ranked fourth worldwide, placing it among the safest cities globally, while Muscat followed in eighth position. In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh ranked 34th and Jeddah 40th, while Kuwait City placed 73rd.