Abu Dhabi named safest city in the world for 9th consecutive year
Numbeo report highlights UAE's secure, stable, and high-quality living environment
The United Arab Emirates has further cemented its status as one of the most stable and attractive Arab countries to live and work in, maintaining its top-tier position on the Global Safety Index. According to the 2025 report by the global statistics website Numbeo, the UAE ranked second globally for safety, with Abu Dhabi once again taking the lead as the world’s safest city at mid-year.
This marks the ninth consecutive year that Abu Dhabi has topped the global rankings, reaffirming its advanced standing on the world stage. Home to over 200 nationalities, the UAE continues to offer a secure, stable, and high-quality living environment, as highlighted by the Numbeo report.
Also Read: Top 10 safest cities in the world in 2025
Abu Dhabi achieved a Safety Index score of 85.2 out of 100, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability for both citizens and residents. These efforts are key contributors to sustainable development and global leadership.
The countries that consistently top such global safety rankings are often recognized for their ability to uphold public order and stability. Their success is largely attributed to effective law enforcement, political stability, and comprehensive security policies.
Lowest in crime and safety index
According to Numbeo’s 2025 Crime and Safety Index, Abu Dhabi recorded the lowest crime rate globally at just 11.25 points, securing its position as the world’s safest city. This achievement underscores the UAE’s significant progress in strengthening public safety and security.
Other cities that ranked highly in global safety include:
Prague, Czech Republic – 24.61 points
Beijing, China – 25.37 points
Sydney, Australia – 34.22 points
Berlin, Germany – 44.61 points
New York, USA – 51.05 points
London, UK – 55.34 points
Delhi, India – 59.02 points
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 75.24 points
Commenting on the report, Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoun Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, stated that this remarkable achievement reflects the ongoing progress, innovation, and modernization driven by advanced artificial intelligence technologies and a commitment to operational excellence.
He praised the strong support and strategic vision of the UAE leadership, which has helped establish a comprehensive security framework. This, in turn, has elevated the performance and effectiveness of the police force, reinforcing the UAE’s development into a true oasis of safety and security.
Major General Al Muhairi reaffirmed Abu Dhabi Police’s commitment to maintaining safety and security, strengthening trust between the police and the community through pioneering strategies, innovative crime prevention initiatives, and the deployment of integrated smart systems.
Facts and figures:
Abu Dhabi has ranked first globally in safety since 2017.
In 2024, the capital topped a list of 329 cities worldwide.
In 2025, Abu Dhabi once again claimed the top position for the ninth consecutive year—highlighting its relentless efforts to ensure the highest quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors.
Criteria for ranking the world’s safest cities
The ranking of the world’s safest cities is based on several key factors:
Crime index: Assesses the prevalence of crimes such as theft, assault, robbery, and homicide.
Safety index: Measures residents’ perceptions of safety during both day and night in public and private spaces.
Quality of life: Includes cleanliness, environmental standards, infrastructure, public services, healthcare, and education.
Political and security stability: A major determinant in evaluating city-wide safety.
Effective law enforcement: Strong, fair, and consistent application of the law helps deter crime.
Security infrastructure: Advanced surveillance systems, early warning technologies, and highly trained law enforcement personnel.
Examples of top-ranked safe cities in 2025
Alongside Abu Dhabi, several other cities in the region ranked among the world’s safest:
Doha: Ranked 2nd globally with a Safety Index of 84.1 and a Crime Index of 15.9.
Taipei: Tied for 3rd place globally with Dubai, both scoring a Safety Index of 83.8 and Crime Index of 16.2.
Dubai: Ranked 4th globally with the same index scores as Taipei.
Sharjah: Ranked 5th globally with a Safety Index of 82.4 and a Crime Index of 17.6.
Muscat: Ranked 8th globally with a Safety Index of 79.5 and Crime Index of 20.5.
Why Safe City Rankings Matter:
Tourism appeal: Safer cities attract more tourists, boosting the local economy.
Investment opportunities: Investors prioritize stable and secure environments when making decisions.
Quality of life: Residents in safer cities enjoy better living standards and overall well-being.
Abu Dhabi’s consistent leadership in global safety rankings is a testament to the UAE’s vision for security, prosperity, and an exceptional quality of life—making it a model for cities around the world.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
