Abu Dhabi tops global safety list: What the World can learn from UAE

TL;DR:

For the ninth consecutive year, Abu Dhabi has been officially named the safest city in the world, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to security, stability, and quality of life.

The latest data from Numbeo (a crowd-sourced online database) 2025 Crime Index has once again placed Abu Dhabi at the top of the global list of 380 cities.

This achievement not only underscores the capital’s robust policing strategies but also reflects the UAE’s broader national focus on public safety and community well-being. At a time when global urban centres face increasing safety challenges, Abu Dhabi’s consistency offers a model of effective governance and citizen engagement.

Abu Dhabi's Safety Index: The Numbers That Matter

Numbeo's 2025 report assigns Abu Dhabi a crime index score of 11.6 and a safety index of 88.4, both indicators showing negligible levels of crime and high public confidence in safety measures. The index is based on user-contributed data on crime perceptions, safety levels, and experiences from people living in these cities. The lower the crime index score, the safer a city is deemed to be, while a higher safety index reflects a stronger sense of security among residents.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed this achievement via official channels, highlighting the emirate's ongoing efforts to maintain safety standards that surpass even traditionally secure global cities.

UAE’s Safety Leadership Across Multiple Emirates

While Abu Dhabi retained its crown, the UAE as a whole demonstrated remarkable consistency in global safety rankings. According to Numbeo 2025 Crime Index report, several other emirates also secured top spots:

This national performance signifies a strategic effort led by UAE authorities to standardise safety policies across emirates, contributing to an environment where residents and visitors feel consistently secure regardless of where they are in the country.

Factors Behind Abu Dhabi's Continued Success

The continuous recognition of Abu Dhabi's safety is no accident. It is the product of long-term policy decisions, significant investment in technology, and strategic law enforcement practices. Authorities in Abu Dhabi, particularly the Abu Dhabi Police, have adopted an integrated security approach. This includes:

Broader Impact on Residents and Business

The impact of a high safety index extends well beyond the local population’s peace of mind. For residents, it translates into a higher quality of life with the freedom to move around the city at all hours without fear.

This is particularly significant for women, families, and the elderly who cite safety as a top factor in their overall well-being. For businesses and foreign investors, Abu Dhabi's safety record enhances the emirate's attractiveness as a destination for global conferences, multinational headquarters, and investment hubs. Tourism also benefits greatly, with visitors choosing safer cities for leisure and business travel.

Safety and Liveability

Abu Dhabi’s reputation for safety complements its broader status as one of the region’s most liveable cities. In the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index, Abu Dhabi was rated highly for stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure—elements that are directly linked to public safety outcomes. Additionally, a 2023 Gallup Global Law and Order report placed the UAE among the top nations where residents feel safest walking alone at night, with a confidence rate exceeding 90%. These accolades demonstrate that safety is not just a policing issue but also a reflection of overall governance, social policy, and economic stability.

Role of Technology and Innovation

Abu Dhabi’s embrace of smart technologies has been pivotal in maintaining its top safety ranking. The emirate has implemented an integrated security network that employs:

These technologies not only help prevent crime but also reinforce public confidence in the state’s ability to safeguard its people.

UAE’s Unified Safety Strategy

The UAE’s national safety policy ensures that best practices developed in Abu Dhabi are replicated across other emirates. Dubai, for instance, combines its tourism appeal with heavy investment in urban security and digital monitoring. Sharjah and Ajman also apply federal safety protocols, ensuring that residents across the UAE experience a comparable level of security. This collaborative approach is a hallmark of the UAE’s governance, contributing to its overall success in international safety rankings.

Abu Dhabi’s ninth consecutive win as the safest city globally is a testament to strategic leadership, innovative policing, and active community participation. This achievement not only positions the UAE capital as a role model for global cities but also bolsters the country's reputation as a destination of choice for residents, tourists, and investors alike. The UAE's comprehensive strategy ensures that security is not confined to the capital but is a shared priority across all emirates, enhancing the nation's global standing in safety, governance, and liveability.