Why the Gulf dominates the world’s safest cities list in 2025

In 2025, six of the 10 safest cities in the world — Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, Manama, and Muscat — are located in the Gulf region, according to the latest Numbeo Safety Index.

This striking statistic speaks volumes. It’s a stark contrast against the backdrop of the drums of war beating louder amid the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran.

The world’s 10 safest cities list is a testimony to how visionary leadership, strategic urban planning, and a culture of stability have combined to turn the Gulf into a bastion of security, order and real progress, a magnet for the world.

Let’s be clear: the Numbeo Safety Index doesn’t simply measure low crime rates.

It reflects people’s lived experiences of safety — whether they feel secure walking at night, the prevalence of violent or petty crime, the efficiency of law enforcement, and the general public mood about safety in their city.

That the Gulf now dominates this global ranking isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of long-term national goals executed with discipline and clarity.

At the heart of these rankings is the deliberate prioritisation of safety by Gulf governments.

For example, the UAE has consistently framed security as foundational to its ambitious growth strategies.

Abu Dhabi, now the world’s safest city, has topped global rankings for nearly a decade. This is no accident.

It reflects multi-agency coordination, an empowered civil defence network, and AI-powered law enforcement tools that work not just reactively, but preventively.

Dubai, equally iconic, combines globalism with a laser focus on public order. Its CCTV and traffic surveillance infrastructure is among the most sophisticated in the world.

Sharjah’s embrace of AI-driven policing and public service reforms shows that safety is not the byproduct of wealth, but the result of proactive governance.

In Qatar, Doha’s stable ascent in the safety rankings reflects a commitment to social cohesion, citizen well-being, and safe spaces.

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s capital, Manama, making its debut in the top 10, is a powerful symbol of how even smaller Gulf states can rise through focused investment in digital and physical safety frameworks.

Muscat, too, reflects Oman’s quieter but equally effective strategy: political stability and low crime through strong institutions and community-centred policy.

One of the most immediate implications of this surge in safety is its impact on tourism.

In a world still dealing with the aftershocks of global disruptions — pandemics, conflicts, climate anxiety — travellers crave predictability.

Gulf cities now offer exactly that: high cleanliness, personal safety, cultural appeal, and a reputation for order.

Tourism boards in these cities know this.

Visit Abu Dhabi, for example, an emirate that stands out for its strong emphasis on safety, cultural richness, and family-friendly experiences.

As the world’s safest city in 2025, it promotes a secure and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Its vibrant cultural scene — home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other world-class museums — blends tradition and innovation. Add to that thrilling theme parks like Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, plus exceptional global air connectivity, and Abu Dhabi (also, via Dubai) emerges as a uniquely balanced destination for both leisure and lifestyle.

Qatar, fresh from hosting a widely praised 2022 FIFA World Cup, continues to leverage its image as a safe, progressive destination for families and solo travellers alike.

Dubai’s rise as a global powerhouse stems from its early adoption of economic free zones, world-class security, and investor-friendly freehold property laws.

These foundations transformed it into a magnet for international business and talent. As a premier tourism hub, Dubai boasts iconic landmarks, luxury experiences, and seamless infrastructure.

Its role as host to major global conferences and expos further cements its reputation as a dynamic, future-ready city that bridges East and West with innovation, safety, and opportunity at its core.

Oman’s emphasis on sustainable tourism is buoyed by its reputation for calm and security, making Muscat a gateway to a slower, more mindful form of travel in the region.

Stable environments reduce the risk premium for doing business. Foreign companies are more willing to establish headquarters or regional offices in cities where employees feel safe and secure. This is one of the reasons why multinationals continue to flock to Dubai and Doha — and increasingly, to Sharjah and Manama.

The rise of Gulf cities in global safety rankings also helps rewrite the dominant narrative about the Middle East.

For decades, the region was synonymous in Western media with instability, or a “noisy neighbourhood”.

Now, the cities topping global safety charts are not found in Scandinavia or East Asia alone — but in Arabia.

This shift reflects a wider realignment. Gulf countries are no longer waiting to be defined by external events or foreign commentary.

Instead, they are actively shaping their image — through reforms, strategic diversification plans like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 or the UAE’s Centennial 2071, and an emphasis on “soft power”, innovation, and urban excellence.

What can other parts of the world learn from this? That safety is not merely a matter of policing — it’s about governance, vision, and the willingness to embrace technology without compromising social trust.

It’s about tolerance, making it part of the country’s institutions.

That walkable streets, safe public spaces, and responsive authorities build the fabric of a great city.

That bold leadership focused on citizen well-being can overcome historic biases and usher in a new era.

The Gulf’s dominance in the 2025 safety rankings shows that the future of urban life may well be defined from the desert. Not by accident, but by design.

And that in itself is a model worth watching.