Abu Dhabi Named Safest City in the World for Ninth Consecutive Year

Abu Dhabi has once again been crowned as the safest city in the world, securing the title for an impressive ninth consecutive year. This ranking was released in Numbeo’s 2025 Crime Index, highlighting the emirate’s ongoing dedication to safety, security, and an exceptional quality of life for residents and visitors. The UAE continues to excel in global safety rankings, with five of its cities securing spots in the top 10 safest cities worldwide.

What Makes Abu Dhabi the Safest City?

Abu Dhabi achieved the number one ranking out of 382 cities based on Numbeo’s comprehensive 2025 survey. This achievement is supported by remarkable scores, including a crime index of just 11.6 and a safety index of an unparalleled 88.4. For nearly a decade, the capital of the UAE has consistently led the global pack, a feat that reflects its effective strategies to enhance safety and security.

Local authorities, particularly the Abu Dhabi Police, play a critical role in fostering a strong sense of safety in the city. Through community-oriented policing, state-of-the-art surveillance systems, and public safety campaigns, the city has continued to maintain its reputation as a safe haven. Whether you’re walking at night or commuting during the day, residents and tourists alike feel the sense of security that Abu Dhabi works hard to ensure.

UAE’s Dominance in Global Safety Rankings

The UAE’s emphasis on safety is not limited to Abu Dhabi. Remarkably, five emirates feature in the global top 10 for safety:

1. Abu Dhabi (#1): Crime index of 11.6, safety index of 88.4
2. Sharjah (#3): Crime index of 16.2, safety index of 83.8
3. Dubai (#4): Crime index of 16.2, safety index of 83.8
4. Ras Al Khaimah (#6): Crime index of 16.3, safety index of 83.7
5. Ajman (#7): Crime index of 17.1, safety index of 82.9

These rankings illustrate the UAE’s national effort toward creating a secure and peaceful environment for its residents. All five cities reported a crime index well below 20, which underscores a countrywide commitment to safety.

Key Factors Behind Abu Dhabi’s Success

Comprehensive Law Enforcement

Abu Dhabi’s stringent law enforcement plays a critical role in ensuring safety. The emirate’s police force is globally recognized for its efficiency and use of advanced technologies, including AI-driven surveillance, predictive crime analytics, and rapid response systems. Their proactivity ensures that potential threats are neutralized before they escalate.

Community and Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi is renowned for its community-centric approach to safety. Public awareness campaigns and community policing initiatives encourage residents to actively participate in maintaining security. This collaboration between citizens and law enforcement builds trust and a shared commitment to safety.

The city’s infrastructure also contributes to its rankings. Well-lit streets, secure residential zones, and advanced transportation systems all enhance residents’ feeling of safety, while promoting safer public spaces.

International Standards

Abu Dhabi’s safety policies are aligned with international best practices. For example, the city has highly professionalized regulatory systems, ensuring robust crime prevention measures and public safety initiatives. This alignment reinforces its global reputation as the safest city in the world.

UAE and Global Safety Comparisons

The achievements of UAE cities extend beyond the Numbeo rankings. According to Gallup’s 2024 Law and Order Index, the UAE scored 90 out of 100, positioning it as the 12th safest country in the world. Impressively, this score was the second-highest in the Middle East, just behind Kuwait.

Gallup’s survey asked residents worldwide if they felt safe walking alone at night. The findings revealed that 90% of UAE residents reported feeling safe in their neighborhoods, ranking among the top seven globally in this category.

How Safety Enhances Abu Dhabi’s Global Appeal

Abu Dhabi’s safety rankings contribute significantly to its global appeal as a destination to live, work, and visit. The sense of security fosters trust among expatriates, international businesses, and tourists alike. The city’s high-quality educational institutions, world-class healthcare facilities, and vibrant cultural landscape further reinforce its reputation.

Additionally, UAE’s investment in safety has a ripple effect as it enhances the nation’s economic stability, making it an attractive hub for global investors and entrepreneurs.

On the Horizon

The UAE shows no signs of slowing down in its safety efforts. From adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhancing public engagement, the country’s strategies evolve annually to meet emerging challenges. Abu Dhabi’s consistent status as the safest city serves as a shining example of what continuous dedication to safety can achieve.

It’s a commendable feat that speaks volumes about the collaborative efforts of government entities, law enforcement, and citizens in creating secure urban spaces.