Dubai: Among World's Most Secure Cities

The United Arab Emirates' Safety Ranking: Dubai Among the World's Safest Cities

Year by year, the United Arab Emirates has been steadily increasing its international reputation not only from an economic but also a social standpoint. One of the most crucial factors that attract more and more visitors, investors, and those wishing to settle down in the country is its outstanding public safety. According to Numbeo's 2026 data, four Emirati cities – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman – have been included among the world's safest cities, further enhancing the country's reputation as a calm, predictable, and well-organized region.

The Measure of Safety: What Does Numbeo Ranking Mean?

Numbeo is a globally used database that evaluates cities based on various aspects such as public safety, cost of living, healthcare, and transportation. The safety index is based on feedback from the city's residents and visitors, reflecting real experiences. The ranking is especially valuable for expats, tourists, and international businesses as it helps them navigate what societal conditions to expect in a given place.

In 2026, UAE cities – particularly Dubai – have been placed in the top category of the rankings, while African and South American cities such as Caracas, Johannesburg, or Memphis occupy the lower part of the list.

Dubai and Its Peers: An Island of Stability in the Region

The Middle East region often has a biased image worldwide, especially in the Western media. However, the numbers tell a different story. In recent years, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman have consistently ranked among the cities with the lowest crime rates. Their crime index is extremely low, thanks to factors such as effective policing, strict laws, advanced surveillance systems, and general social order.

With this, UAE cities not only surpass most Western capitals but also set a new standard on the global security map. While other countries struggle to curb violent crimes, vandalism, burglaries, or gun incidents, residents and tourists can walk safely on the streets of Dubai day and night.

Why is This Important for the Country’s Economy?

Safety is not just a social value but also an economic advantage. A calm, predictable, and low-risk environment automatically attracts capital. Investors and high net-worth individuals prioritize stability. According to the study "The Rise of Dubai" published in 2025, Dubai alone is home to 86,000 millionaires, 251 centi-millionaires, and 23 billionaires.

This is no coincidence. The combination of a safe environment, predictable economic system, and low taxation offers an ideal setting for preserving and increasing wealth. Besides individuals, multinational companies also enjoy bringing their regional centers here – not just due to the strategic location or outstanding infrastructure but because their employees can feel safe.

Dubai’s Special Role in the Vanguard

While other cities in the country also rank highly, Dubai deserves special attention. The iconic city's name is almost synonymous with luxury, modernity, and development – but the role of public safety is equally emphasized in shaping its image. The fact that Dubai's residents live in one of the world's largest metropolises yet do not have to fear street crime, harassment, or armed violence is a true global rarity.

A city where female passengers can travel safely at night on the metro, where public disturbances are rare, and where the police's technological advancement ranks among the best in the world represents a value that may surpass material prosperity in the eyes of many.

Future Prospects

The UAE leadership is not satisfied with the results achieved. They continuously develop law enforcement and public safety systems, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence and big data-based predictive technologies. The goal is clear: to maintain the current level of safety and even improve it while the population grows, tourism expands, and economic activity increases.

In the global competition, cities and countries that offer economic opportunities, high quality of life, and a safe environment will gain an advantage. In this regard, the UAE – particularly Dubai – has not only caught up but surpassed the world's leading metropolises.

Conclusion

The 2026 Numbeo ranking has once again confirmed what many have known for a long time: the United Arab Emirates, led by the city of Dubai, is among the world's safest places. The country's stable social and economic environment, strict and effective legal system, and innovative law enforcement system portray an attractive image that few can match. Safety not only brings peace of mind but also creates economic opportunities – and the UAE is a prime example of this.

(Source of the article: Based on Numbeo ranking.)