Numbeo 2026 Safety Index Crowns UAE as World's Safest Country
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again solidified its position as a global leader in public safety, topping the Numbeo Safety Index for 2026 with an impressive score of 86.0. This marks the second consecutive year the UAE claims the number one spot among countries, outpacing Qatar (84.8) and Andorra (84.8). Numbeo, a crowd-sourced database aggregating user perceptions on crime and safety from over 150 countries, bases its index on factors like worries about muggings, home break-ins, assaults, and safety when walking alone during the day or night. For the UAE, safety walking alone at night scores a very high 83.88 on a 0-100 scale, reflecting residents' strong confidence in the nation's security infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, continues its decade-long reign as one of the world's safest cities, securing second place globally with a Safety Index of 88.9—just behind Qingdao, China. Other UAE cities shine brightly too: Sharjah ranks fourth (84.5), and Dubai fifth (83.9), dominating the top five alongside Doha, Qatar. These rankings underscore the UAE's consistent investment in advanced policing, widespread CCTV surveillance, and community-oriented security measures.
UAE Government Survey Reveals Nearly 99% Feel Safe Walking Alone at Night
Complementing Numbeo's data, the UAE's own Quality of Life Security Survey 2025, conducted by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), paints an even more optimistic picture. Surveying a representative sample of 6,775 residents across the seven emirates, the study found that 98.7% of respondents feel safe walking alone after dark—a staggering figure that rises to 98.1% among women. This 'UAE Public Safety Perceptions Study' highlights exceptional trust in the country's law enforcement, with the Ministry of Interior noting it as evidence of the UAE's stable and secure environment.
The survey's methodology involved structured interviews ensuring broad demographic representation, including Emiratis and expatriates who make up over 88% of the population. Key insights include high confidence in police effectiveness and low perceived risks of property or violent crime, aligning seamlessly with Numbeo's metrics where UAE worries about being mugged or attacked score below 13 (very low).
Global Comparisons: UAE Outshines Peers in Safety Metrics
When benchmarked against other nations, the UAE's safety stands unparalleled. While Qatar and Oman follow closely in the GCC region, European microstates like Andorra trail slightly. In Numbeo's city rankings, UAE locales outperform major capitals like Tokyo or Singapore, with Abu Dhabi's nighttime safety at 87.02—far exceeding global averages.
| Rank | Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UAE | 86.0 |
| 2 | Qatar | 84.8 |
| 3 | Andorra | 84.8 |
| 4 | Taiwan | 83.0 |
| 5 | Macao | 81.8 |
This table illustrates the UAE's lead, driven by proactive policies like AI-powered predictive policing and zero-tolerance for firearms.
Key Factors Driving UAE's Unmatched Safety Record
Several elements contribute to these perceptions. First, extensive CCTV coverage—over 300,000 cameras in Dubai alone—combined with facial recognition tech, deters crime effectively. Strict gun laws, cultural emphasis on harmony in a multicultural society (200+ nationalities), and rapid police response times under 4 minutes bolster confidence.
- Advanced tech integration: AI analytics predict hotspots.
- Community policing: High trust in police (98.4% in prior surveys).
- Low drug and corruption issues: Very low perceptions per Numbeo.
- Women-focused initiatives: Dedicated patrols and apps for safety.
Stakeholders like the Ministry of Interior credit Vision 2031 for prioritizing security, resulting in crime rates 90% below global averages.
Safety Implications for Expatriates and Families
With 90%+ expatriates, the UAE's safety resonates strongly with families. The survey shows uniform confidence across demographics, with expats praising walkable neighborhoods and 24/7 public transport security. This fosters a high quality of life, as evidenced by UAE's top rankings in global livability indices.Numbeo Quality of Life Rankings
Real-world cases, like zero tolerance for domestic violence leading to swift interventions, exemplify the system's efficacy.
Boost for Higher Education: Safety Attracts Global Talent
For higher education, UAE's safety is a magnet for international students. Dubai's private sector saw 29% intl enrollment growth in 2025, reaching 35% of total students, partly due to perceived security. Universities like Khalifa University, UAEU, and NYU Abu Dhabi benefit from safe campuses, enabling late-night study and events.
Student surveys highlight safety as a top choice factor, alongside world-class facilities. With intl students surging, UAE unis position as hubs for higher ed careers in a secure environment. Explore UAE academic opportunities or university jobs thriving amid this stability.
Campus Life in UAE: Student Safety Perspectives
UAE campuses boast WELL Health-Safety certifications and low incident rates. Studies show 93%+ parents feel children safe at school, extending to unis. Intl students cite safety enabling focus on studies, extracurriculars.Career advice for UAE researchers.
- Secure dorms with 24/7 guards.
- Anti-bullying measures effective per student polls.
- Safety culture strong among engineering students.
This environment supports booming enrollment, projected 40% growth by 2030.
Challenges and Ongoing Improvements
Despite highs, minor concerns like petty theft (14/100 worry) persist. UAE addresses via awareness campaigns, cyber safety focus. Future: Enhanced AI for proactive threat detection, community programs.
Stakeholder views: Experts praise but urge sustained investment amid population growth.
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Sustaining UAE's Safety Leadership
With Numbeo and FCSC data signaling excellence, UAE eyes continued dominance. Implications: Boosted tourism, FDI, talent attraction. For academics, safe havens like UAE unis offer ideal settings. Check Rate My Professor for UAE faculty insights, higher ed jobs, career advice, or university jobs to join this secure ecosystem.
