Mashable: In an era where personal and public security are front and center of global concerns, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out as a beacon of safety. In the latest Numbeo Safety Index for 2025, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah have ranked among the top five safest cities worldwide— an extraordinary achievement that places the UAE firmly on the world map as a leader in urban safety.

Top 10 safest cities worldwide (Numbeo 2025)

Here are the world’s top 10 safest cities according to Numbeo’s latest Safety Index:

With three UAE cities featured in the top five, the country’s domination is clear. Beyond its glimmering skyline and booming economy, the UAE is now a global benchmark for urban safety and well-being.

Decoding the Safety Index

Numbeo’s Safety Index is based on a blend of public sentiment and concrete crime statistics—

Crowd-sourced Surveys: Residents share their perceptions of safety, concerns about crime types—such as mugging, sexual harassment, or vandalism—and their comfort level walking alone at different times of day.

Crime Index Metric: A numerical Crime Index (higher scores signal more crime) is created, and the Safety Index is derived as its inverse (higher = safer), both scaled from 0 to 100.

Data Calibration: Recent five-year responses are cleansed of spam, balanced with verified government crime figures to achieve robust and dynamic city-level scores.

This hybrid of perception and data creates a holistic measure that goes beyond static crime reports, reflecting real experiences on the streets.

What fuels the UAE’s security edge?

The UAE’s success stems from a blend of proactive policy, modern infrastructure, and cultural values—

Community Policing & Technology: Abu Dhabi’s forward-thinking police force, Dubai’s rapid digital systems, and Sharjah’s tight legal structure foster trust and deter crime.

Widespread Surveillance: High camera density, rapid-response patrols, and visible law enforcement serve as deterrents across public spaces.

Stable Society: With low income inequality, strong governance, and public welfare systems, social discontent is minimized.

Cultural Norms: Strong social cohesion, hospitality, and respect play a vital role in minimizing antisocial behavior.

Why does this matter globally?

Achieving high safety rankings is more than just prestige—it’s a catalyst for national growth—

Tourism Boom: Safe environments attract visitors looking for peace of mind, bolstering sectors like hospitality and entertainment.

Investment Magnet: Secure conditions lure global corporations, fostering business confidence and job creation.

Expat & Talent Appeal: Safety is a major draw for expatriates and skilled professionals seeking high-quality global living standards.

Educational Stake: Peaceful, secure cities support effective education environments, making the UAE an attractive destination for students and institutions worldwide.

In a world where peace of mind is priceless, the UAE delivers, with its cities standing among the globe’s safest, strongest, and most secure urban environments.