World’s Safest City for a Decade: How Does Abu Dhabi Do It?
In a remarkable achievement that underscores its ongoing commitment to public safety, Abu Dhabi has once again been named the world’s safest city in the latest Numbeo Global Safety Index, marking the tenth consecutive year the UAE capital has topped the global rankings. The 2026 safety report evaluated 400 cities across more than 150 countries and placed Abu Dhabi at number one for overall safety, including walking alone safely in broad daylight and at night, consolidating its status as a global leader in urban security and quality of life.The news has been celebrated not just locally but internationally, as the emirate continues to leverage advanced technology, proactive policing strategies, and community engagement to create a city where residents, expatriates, tourists, and workers feel secure at all hours.
Decade at the top: Abu Dhabi’s unbroken reign since 2017
Abu Dhabi’s latest triumph continues a decade-long positive trend that began in 2017, when it first captured the world’s No. 1 safety ranking. Ever since, the capital has retained this title, outpacing major global cities and reinforcing confidence in its public safety infrastructure.According to Numbeo, a crowdsourced database widely used in global cost of living and quality-of-life comparisons, Abu Dhabi excels in perceived safety from crime and comfort in public spaces. Its top ranking in “safety when walking alone at night” and “safety when walking alone during the day” reflects widespread public confidence, a core measure in the index that resonates with both locals and visitors.Experts say this consistency is not accidental. Unlike cities that fluctuate year to year, Abu Dhabi’s systematic approach of blending technology, human policing and urban design, underpins its decade-long dominance.
How Abu Dhabi secures its top spot: Technology meets proactive policing
Behind the ranking lies an evolving model of public safety that integrates cutting-edge technology with forward-leaning strategies. Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, has repeatedly credited the success to a mix of advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics that help authorities anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate into incidents.
From AI Policing to Peace of Mind: How Abu Dhabi Stayed World’s Safest for 10 Years
This data-driven approach includes real-time surveillance, rapid response networks and AI-powered risk assessment that collectively make safety both effective and largely invisible, experienced as peace of mind rather than heavy surveillance. By anticipating potential public safety issues and addressing them early, authorities reduce crime and enhance everyday life for residents and visitors alike.Community outreach and engagement also play a critical role. Abu Dhabi’s police work closely with neighbourhoods, businesses and city institutions to ensure that safety policies reflect community needs and build trust, from school zones to business districts and entertainment hubs.
Safety as a pillar of liveability and growth in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s decade at the top of the safety index has contributed to a broader narrative about its liveability, attractiveness and appeal as a global city of choice. Multiple international rankings have linked safety with quality of life, economic opportunity and tourism appeal, all areas where Abu Dhabi continues to excel.For expatriates, the reassurance of safety has a tangible impact on life decisions. A significant portion of the foreign workforce now sees the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, as not just a place to work but a place to settle permanently. Recent surveys show that nearly one in five expatriates express a desire to remain in the UAE long term, citing safety, security and stability as key factors.Local authorities have made safety a centerpiece of broader development strategies, connecting public reassurance with ambitious urban plans, community spaces and cultural initiatives that encourage inclusive, open-air living with minimal risk. From parks and waterfront promenades to family-friendly zones and business corridors, safety enhances every aspect of city life.
UAE safety dominance: Beyond Abu Dhabi alone
Abu Dhabi is not alone in showcasing Gulf safety leadership. Other emirates and cities across the UAE also make significant global impacts on safety rankings. In the latest Numbeo data, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah also ranked among the world’s safest cities, while Dubai placed notably high as well, illustrating the UAE’s regional strength in secure living environments.
Night Walks, Family Life, Zero Fear: Abu Dhabi Tops Safety Index for 10th Year
Further afield, broader UAE safety rankings have placed the country itself among the top safest nations in the world, reflecting not just urban safety but national policies that prioritise low crime, public trust, and cohesive civic engagement. According to the broader Numbeo Safety Index, the UAE recently secured the title of the safest country globally, ahead of other high-ranking nations, thanks to consistent low crime rates, high perceptions of personal safety, and low discrimination indices.
Abu Dhabi’s safety that’s felt day and night
One of the most striking aspects of Abu Dhabi’s ranking is its dual strength in daytime and nighttime safety, a benchmark that reflects well-lit, secure urban design, effective patrolling and community trust in public spaces. Abu Dhabi regularly ranks at the top for perceived safety at night, an especially meaningful metric for both residents and tourists concerned about crime or harassment after dark.This makes the city not just comfortable for daily life but inviting for tourism, nightlife and leisure activities, which is a rarity among global cities where nighttime security remains a challenge. Travel guides consistently highlight Abu Dhabi as a welcoming destination where visitors can explore cultural venues, beachfronts, markets and public attractions with minimal safety concerns. This is an important draw in a travel environment where safety is a growing priority for global tourists.Abu Dhabi’s decade-long reign as the world’s safest city is more than a headline; it is a symbol of what sustained, strategic action can achieve in urban governance. In a world where many cities face rising crime, social tensions and public anxiety, Abu Dhabi’s approach has delivered consistent results that resonate beyond borders.Security experts note that such an achievement requires holistic policies, not just law enforcement but social cohesion, technology integration and inclusive development. Abu Dhabi’s safety model now serves as a case study for other cities looking to improve urban security without compromising personal freedoms or quality of life.
The City Where Crime Barely Exists: Why Expats and Tourists Feel Safer in Abu Dhabi Than Anywhere Else on Earth
In a period of global uncertainty, from economic pressures to geopolitical tensions, Abu Dhabi’s leadership in safety provides a rare constant and a place where residents can walk freely anytime, families can thrive and visitors can explore without fear. Local reaction reflects pride and reassurance. Many residents credit the city’s low crime environment for enhanced everyday life, from children playing outdoors to women feeling secure walking alone at night.Safety is not just a statistic, it is a lived reality that shapes how people move, work and socialise in the capital. Policing authorities emphasise that the ranking is not a one-time win but part of a long-term commitment. Officials reaffirm that continuous investment in smart systems, training and community programmes ensures that safety is not just achieved, it is sustained.
Bottom line: Abu Dhabi’s decade of safety, a future of confidence
As Abu Dhabi celebrates its tenth consecutive year as the world’s safest city, the achievement stands as a global benchmark for urban governance. It highlights how technology, proactive planning, community engagement and proactive law enforcement can create environments where people feel secure and free.For families, investors, expatriates and travellers, Abu Dhabi’s enduring top ranking is not just recognition. It is a reassuring promise of safety that continues to define the city’s identity in 2026 and sets a standard for cities around the world. Go to Source
