UAE tops global list as world’s safest country in 2025
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah among world’s safest cities
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially been ranked the world’s safest country in the 2025 mid-year review of Numbeo’s Safety Index.
With a leading score of 85.2 points, the UAE surpassed countries such as Andorra (84.8), Qatar (84.6), Taiwan (83.0), and Macao (81.8) to take the top position.
Numbeo’s index reflects data collected from residents and travellers over the last 36 months, factoring in perceived safety at night, crime levels, and public concerns over violent incidents, burglary and discrimination. The UAE, home to over 200 nationalities, had previously placed second in March 2025 behind Andorra.
World’s safest cities
On the city level, Abu Dhabi leads globally with a safety score of 88.2 and a crime index of just 11.8. Dubai, known for its modern infrastructure and low crime rate, ranked fifth among the safest cities worldwide with a score of 83.9, following closely behind Ajman and Doha. Ras Al Khaimah also placed among the global top five.
A separate study by UK-based Travelbag highlighted Abu Dhabi as the safest city in the world to walk alone at night, scoring 87 out of 100. Dubai and Kyoto were jointly ranked third with a safety score of 83 for nighttime walking.
Global comparisons
Other Gulf countries fared well, with Oman scoring 81.4 (sixth place) and Bahrain and Saudi Arabia ranking 15th and 14th respectively. In contrast, the UK and US scored 51.6 and 50.8, placing them 86th and 91st on the index. Pakistan ranked 62nd, while India and the Philippines followed closely at 67th and 66th.
Safest to travel at night
Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world to explore at night, according to a global study by UK-based travel specialist Travelbag. Scoring 87 out of 100 for nighttime safety, the UAE capital topped a list of over 100 destinations. The study also noted a 164% global rise in searches for night festivals and a 33% surge in interest in stargazing tourism. Abu Dhabi ranked 12th overall for scenic night-time exploration, with low light pollution, over 60 late-night venues, and more than 1,000 Instagram posts capturing its nocturnal charm.
Dubai’s appeal as a nighttime destination also continues to grow, with a safety score of 83 and a light and noise pollution rating of 53. While its 190 late-night venues may be fewer than global giants like New York or Tokyo, they offer a refined and diverse experience – from chic rooftop lounges to serene waterfront dining spots – further reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a safe and vibrant city after dark.
Last year, Abu Dhabi and Dubai were also recognised as the most liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa by the Economist Intelligence Unit, due to improvements in education and healthcare.