How Abu Dhabi and Dubai became the world’s most secure cities

From May 13 to 15, 2025, global law enforcement leaders, policymakers, and security experts will convene in Dubai for the prestigious World Police Summit. Against the backdrop of this international gathering, two cities, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will serve not only as hosts but as case studies in urban safety and security excellence. Consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world, they exemplify a unique model of urban governance where law enforcement, technology, culture, and policy converge to produce not just low crime rates but a deep societal sense of security.

The global perception of safety in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is strongly underpinned by data. Both cities have topped the Numbeo Safety Index for several consecutive years, with Abu Dhabi recording a safety index of 88.4 in 2025 and Dubai following closely at 83.8. Violent crimes, theft, and drug-related offenses remain rare, and even petty crimes such as pickpocketing are uncommon. Residents routinely report feeling safe walking alone at night, a testament to both objective security and subjective peace of mind.

At the core of this safety is the strong state capacity and centralised governance that characterises the UAE. The government exercises swift, decisive policy implementation supported by robust institutions and a clear commitment to public order. Law enforcement agencies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai benefit from high levels of funding, training, and public trust. Their strategies are underpinned by zero-tolerance policies for crime and a legal system known for rapid adjudication and strict sentencing.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are at the forefront of technological integration in policing. Surveillance is omnipresent yet accepted as a trade-off for security. The “Falcon Eye” system in Abu Dhabi, for example, centralises data from thousands of CCTV cameras across the city, enabling real-time monitoring and response. Dubai’s Smart City Initiative integrates facial recognition, AI-based predictive policing, and intelligent traffic systems to enhance public safety.

These technologies act as both a deterrent and a rapid-response mechanism. The use of biometric systems at borders and in public infrastructure further tightens control while showcasing the UAE’s commitment to innovation in public safety. Importantly, this surveillance infrastructure is paired with visible police presence, including rapid-deployment teams and advanced response units, which reinforces a sense of security among residents and tourists alike.

Urban safety in the UAE is not only enforced but designed. City planning in Abu Dhabi and Dubai prioritises wide, well-lit streets, clean public spaces, and organised residential and commercial zones. Infrastructure projects integrate safety considerations at every level, from pedestrian-friendly layouts and monitored transit hubs to the strategic placement of emergency response units. High-end residential areas and public venues often feature private security and direct connectivity with central command centres.

The integration of smart infrastructure allows for the identification of threats such as traffic violations, unauthorised gatherings, or unusual crowd behaviour, further enabling pre-emptive action by authorities. This reflects a holistic urban security philosophy where prevention and design go hand-in-hand.

Another often-overlooked element is the role of Emirati culture and Islamic values in shaping public behaviour. Norms around modesty, public decorum, and respect for authority are deeply ingrained and widely observed. Public intoxication, aggressive behaviour, and harassment are not only illegal but socially stigmatised. This contributes to a daily experience of safety that is rare in many global urban centres.

Another critical factor is the unique demographic composition of the UAE’s urban centres. With large expatriate populations, the cities are microcosms of global diversity. With residents from more than 160 countries, the UAE fosters a multicultural yet highly regulated environment. Despite this heterogeneity, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have fostered an environment of mutual tolerance and low interpersonal violence. Laws prohibiting hate speech, incitement, and discrimination are strictly enforced, contributing to social harmony and a low incidence of identity-based violence.

Economic prosperity and government-provided social services reduce socio-economic desperation, which is often linked to crime elsewhere. The UAE’s approach to economic planning ensures a relatively high standard of living for both citizens and legal expatriate residents. Although wealth disparities exist, there are no slums or lawless districts as seen in many other global cities. The stable political environment, characterised by long-term planning and consistent leadership, prevents the kind of unrest or breakdown of order that can dramatically undermine public safety.

Community engagement has been a growing area of focus. Initiatives such as Dubai’s Happy Police Programme, Abu Dhabi’s Quality of Life surveys, and neighbourhood watch schemes illustrate efforts to build trust and responsiveness between law enforcement and the public. Authorities actively collect feedback, hold community forums, and involve residents in safety awareness campaigns. Over 93% of residents in Abu Dhabi reported feeling safe walking alone at night in recent surveys — an exceptional figure by global standards.

This trust is essential in a region where stability is a premium and provides an often-unspoken foundation for voluntary public cooperation.

Safety is also a tool of nation branding. The UAE markets itself as a safe and stable hub for tourism, business, and international events. From Expo 2020 to COP28, and now the World Police Summit, the UAE demonstrates its capability to host global gatherings without significant security concerns. This reinforces international confidence and feeds a feedback loop: global recognition of safety enhances perception, which in turn fuels investment, tourism, and more proactive public safety measures.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have redefined what urban safety can look like in the 21st century. Through a blend of strong governance, advanced technology, strategic urban design, cultural cohesion, and deliberate nation branding, they offer a compelling model for other global cities. As the World Police Summit convenes in Dubai, policymakers from around the world will have the opportunity to study this model firsthand.

Safety in the UAE is not a static achievement. It is the product of constant adaptation, investment, and innovation. The lesson these cities offer is that safety is not merely the absence of crime. It is a strategic asset, a competitive advantage, and a cornerstone of national identity.

Dr Kristian Alexander is a Senior Fellow at the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI), Abu Dhabi, UAE.