Cities around the world are increasingly being judged not just by opportunity and infrastructure, but by how safe people feel living in them. According to the Numbeo Global Safety Index 2026, Abu Dhabi has once again emerged as the safest city in the world, reinforcing its position as a global benchmark for public safety. Abu Dhabi secured a Safety Index score of 88.9, topping the rankings for the 10th consecutive year. The city’s consistent performance reflects heavy investment in digital surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, predictive policing, and smart city technologies that allow authorities to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate. Why Abu Dhabi Leads the World Experts attribute Abu Dhabi’s top ranking to its integrated use of AI-driven monitoring, real-time data analysis, and advanced emergency response systems, alongside strict law enforcement and high public trust in institutions. Residents report feeling safe both during the day and at night—two key parameters used in the index. The rankings also highlight a broader regional trend: the United Arab Emirates continues to dominate global safety charts, with five of its cities appearing in the top six. Top 10 Safest Cities in the World (2026) According to Numbeo’s latest assessment, the 10 safest cities globally in 2026 are: Rank City Country Safety Index 1 Abu Dhabi UAE 88.9 2 Ras Al Khaimah UAE 85.3 3 Doha Qatar 84.5 4 Sharjah UAE 84.5 5 Ajman UAE 84.4 6 Dubai UAE 83.9 7 Taipei Taiwan 83.3 8 Muscat Oman 81.3 9 Tampere Finland 79.6 10 Trondheim Norway 79.0 Source: Numbeo Global Safety Index 2026 How the Rankings Were Compiled The study was conducted by Numbeo, which evaluated around 400 cities across 150 countries. Rankings were based on user-contributed data measuring perceived safety, crime levels, and security during both daytime and nighttime. The findings further strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global leader in public safety. Multiple international studies have also ranked the country among the safest in the world, particularly when it comes to nighttime security. The Bigger Picture While cities from Europe and Asia also feature prominently, the dominance of Gulf cities underscores how technology-driven governance, urban planning, and law enforcement coordination are shaping the future of urban safety. As global cities continue to expand, the 2026 rankings offer a clear message: smart security systems and proactive governance matter as much as size and wealth.
Low Crime, High Security: Abu Dhabi and Dubai Lead 2025 Solo Travel Safety Index
Abu Dhabi and Dubai ranked among the world’s safest cities for solo travelers in 2025, according to a new study released by UK-based tour operator Travelbag. The report assessed global destinations based on daytime and nighttime safety scores, drawing on crime perception data and traveler feedback. Abu Dhabi recorded a daytime safety score of 92 and a nighttime score of 87, while Dubai posted scores of 91 during the day and 83 at night. The study cited low crime levels, public security measures, and monitored transport systems as key factors influencing the rankings. Abu Dhabi Tops the List Abu Dhabi placed first in the global ranking. The study noted that public areas, including waterfronts and major tourist sites, are generally regarded as safe for individuals traveling alone. Safety scores were supported by perceptions of police visibility, lighting in public spaces, and the use of surveillance technology. The report also referenced leisure and cultural locations that remain accessible during evening hours, contributing to higher nighttime safety scores. Dubai Ranks Second Dubai ranked second, supported by safety indicators linked to public transport, commercial districts, and tourist areas. The study found that theft and violent crime rates remain low compared to many global cities. Data used in the assessment indicated that walking alone at night and using public transport were perceived as relatively safe by residents and visitors. Top 10 Safest Cities for Solo Travelers According to the report, the top ten safest cities for solo travelers in 2025 are: Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE Chiang Mai, Thailand Muscat, Oman Queenstown, New Zealand Seoul, South Korea Siem Reap, Cambodia Montreal, Canada Tokyo, Japan Phuket, Thailand Methodology and Broader Rankings The rankings were compiled using data from Numbeo’s Crime Index, which relies on crowd-sourced information related to crime levels, safety while walking alone, and risks of theft or assault. Other cities, including Doha and Sharjah, also featured in extended safety lists in related global studies but did not place in the top ten of this ranking. The report noted that while safety concerns linked to global travel persist, perceptions of personal security remain a significant factor influencing destination choices for solo travelers in 2025.
