UAE Ranked as the 2nd Safest Country in the World, with Multiple Cities Among the Safest Globally

Introduction

UAE is once again in the headlines, as it was ranked as the 2nd safest country in the world. And if that was not enough, 5 out of its 12 Emirates are among the top 10 safest cities in the world. See the list below.

Top 10 Safest Countries (Numbeo Safety Index 2025):

1. Andorra (84.7)
2. United Arab Emirates (84.5)
3. Qatar (84.2)
4. Taiwan (82.9)
5. Oman (81.7)
6. Isle Of Man (79.0)
7. Hong Kong (China) (78.5)
8. Armenia (77.9)
9. Singapore (77.4)
10. Japan (77.1)

Top 10 Safest Cities (Numbeo Safety Index 2025):

1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (88.6)
2. Ajman, United Arab Emirates (85.3)
3. Doha, Qatar (84.3)
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (83.9)
5. Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (83.8)
6. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (83.8)
7. Taipei, Taiwan (83.7)
8. Muscat, Oman (81.2)
9. The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands (79.5)
10. Trondheim, Norway (79.2)

Why is This Ranking Important?

This ranking is important to the United Arab Emirates for many reasons. It underscores the effort that has gone into making the UAE, one of the best places to live and work in. Let’s have a look at what this ranking means:

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Safety is a fundamental aspect of quality of life. Knowing that one lives in a secure environment fosters peace of mind, reduces stress, and allows individuals to thrive.
• Attracting Talent and Investment: A safe environment is a big draw for expats, digital nomads, and international businesses. It shows that the UAE is a secure and safe place to work, live, and even raise children.
• Boosting Tourism: Who wants to travel to a place that is not safe? Such rankings enhances the reputation of the UAE as a safe and welcoming destination.
• Economic Stability: A country’s safety index is directly linked to its economic stability. This produces a very confident market and encourages long-term investments.

What Has Made Dubai and the UAE This Way?

The UAE has consistently been at the top of such rankings, owing to a variety of approaches by the government that include:

• Visionary Leadership and Governance: The UAE’s leadership has consistently prioritized the safety and security of its citizens and residents, implementing forward-thinking policies and investing in advanced technologies.
• Smart Policing and Surveillance: Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have embraced cutting-edge technologies like facial recognition, AI-powered cameras, predictive crime modeling, and smart patrol drones to enhance security and deter crime.
• Strict and Transparent Legal Frameworks: The UAE operates under a clear, consistently enforced legal system that deters criminal activity across all demographics. It’s straightforward: commit a crime, and the consequences are great.
• Community Awareness Initiatives: The government actively conducts multilingual campaigns to educate residents and expatriates on safety practices, cybercrime awareness, traffic regulations, and public conduct.
• Emphasis on Multicultural Harmony: With a diverse population comprising over 200 nationalities, the UAE has fostered a culture of tolerance and inclusivity, supported by strong anti-discrimination laws that promote peace and harmony among communities.

Relocating to UAE as a Digital Nomad or Expat

Safety is always at the top of the factors you consider when you are looking for a destination to relocate to, whether as a digital nomad (freelancer) or as an expat. And since safety has been covered, what else would entice you to move to Dubai or the UAE? Let’s have a look:

• High Quality of Life: Residents get to enjoy access to world-class facilities in different industries such as healthcare, education, transportation, entertainment, and more.
• Accessible Visa Options: The UAE has streamlined its visa processes, offering various options from employment visas to the attractive Golden Visa for investors and skilled professionals, making relocation more accessible than ever.
• Thriving Expat Communities: The UAE is home to well-established expatriate communities from around the globe, making it easier for newcomers to settle in, build social networks, set up businesses, and feel at home.
  
  Related: How to Set Up a Business in Dubai – Step by Step Guide
  
• Tax-Free Income: A significant advantage for many is the UAE’s policy of zero personal income tax, allowing residents to maximize their savings and enjoy a higher standard of living.
• Family and Women-Friendly Environment: The UAE is recognized as a safe place for families and single women, with dedicated facilities like women-only metro carriages, family-oriented spaces, and stringent laws against harassment.

Benefits of Relocating Apart from Safety

What can you expect when you relocate to a place like the UAE?

• Economic Opportunities: The UAE boasts a dynamic and growing economy with diverse sectors offering ample career opportunities.
• Connectivity: Its strategic location makes it a global hub for travel and trade, with excellent air links to the rest of the world.
• Modern Infrastructure: The UAE has invested heavily in developing world-class infrastructure, including roads, transportation, and telecommunications.
• Cultural Richness and Entertainment: From historical sites to modern entertainment venues, the UAE offers a rich cultural experience and a vibrant social scene.

Investing in Real Estate in UAE and Dubai

The UAE’s reputation as a safe haven, further bolstered by the recognition of its cities as some of the safest globally, significantly boosts its real estate market.

Related: Dubai Introduces Fractional Ownership Through Real Estate Tokenisation

The high safety ranking, coupled with other attractive factors, makes investing in UAE real estate, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a compelling prospect:

• High Rental Yields: Dubai offers some of the highest rental yields globally, often ranging from 6% to 8% annually in prime locations.
  
  Related: The ROI in Dubai’s Real Estate Market
  
• Freehold Ownership for Foreigners: Expatriates can own property outright in designated freehold zones, including popular areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay.
• Golden Visa Eligibility: Investing in property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify investors for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, providing long-term security and residency benefits.
• Capital Appreciation: With consistent population growth and a thriving tourism sector, property values in Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to appreciate, especially in well-planned communities.
• Transparent Regulations: The real estate market is regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), ensuring transparency and protecting the rights of buyers and investors.