UAE Cities Top Global Safety Charts, Abu Dhabi #1

August 26, 2024

For the eighth consecutive year, Abu Dhabi has secured the title of the world’s safest city according to Numbeo’s mid-year 2024 crime index.

The survey, which ranks 318 cities globally, once again places Abu Dhabi at the pinnacle, a testament to the UAE capital’s commitment to maintaining safety and security.

UAE Cities Dominate Safety Rankings

Joining Abu Dhabi at the top of the list are three other UAE cities, underscoring the nation’s overall safety record. Ajman took second place, while Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah ranked fifth and seventh, respectively. These rankings reflect a broader pattern in the UAE, where low crime rates and high levels of perceived safety have become defining features of urban life.

The consistency of these rankings highlights the effectiveness of the UAE’s comprehensive security measures, as well as the country’s focus on creating a safe environment for both residents and visitors.

Numbeo’s crime index is based on a variety of factors that contribute to a city’s safety profile. These include the level of crime, changes in crime rates over the past three years, and how safe residents feel walking alone during the day and at night. Other considerations include concerns about being mugged, car theft, physical attacks, and property crimes. The index also factors in worries about discrimination or being targeted because of one’s skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion.

In Abu Dhabi, these concerns are remarkably low, contributing to its consistent top ranking. The city’s residents report a high degree of comfort and security in their daily lives, with minimal fear of crime.

While UAE cities shine at the top of the safety charts, the other end of the spectrum paints a different picture. Cities like Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria in South Africa, and Caracas in Venezuela, rank at the bottom of Numbeo’s index, struggling with high crime rates and low perceived safety.

In the broader national rankings, the UAE also performed admirably, securing the second spot for the safest country overall, just behind Andorra. This further cements the UAE’s status as a global leader in safety and security.

The Numbeo survey doesn’t just measure safety; it also looks at overall quality of life, considering factors like cost of living, healthcare, climate, and pollution. While cities in The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Scandinavia ranked highest overall, Abu Dhabi’s 17th place in the global quality of life ranking is a significant achievement, particularly within its region.

The survey’s findings are generally considered reliable due to their low collection bias, though it is noted that some data may be up to 36 months old.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, remarked on the significance of these rankings, stating, “The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors are paramount. These results are a reflection of our continued efforts to ensure that our cities remain safe and welcoming to all.”

As the world continues to evolve, the UAE’s cities remain a beacon of safety, offering a secure and peaceful environment for those who live and work there.