Abu Dhabi Crowned World’s Safest City for 10th Consecutive Year | 2026 Numbeo Index
For an unprecedented tenth consecutive year, Abu Dhabi has been named the world’s safest city, solidifying its global leadership in urban security. The UAE capital maintained its #1 position in the 2026 Numbeo Global Safety Index, a leading international database comparing crime rates and safety perceptions across hundreds of global cities.
This remarkable decade-long streak, unbroken since 2017, underscores Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to protecting residents, expatriates, and millions of visitors. In an era where urban safety is increasingly challenged, Abu Dhabi’s consistent top ranking stands as a benchmark for security and public peace.
What the Numbeo Safety Index 2026 Reveals
The Numbeo Global Safety Index assesses critical daily safety factors, with a strong emphasis on the perception of security when walking alone day or night. Abu Dhabi scored exceptionally high in both measures, confirming a lived reality of confidence for all within the city. Its ability to consistently outperform other global metropolises highlights a successful, long-term strategy integrating policing, technology, and community engagement.
How Abu Dhabi Achieves Top Safety Rankings
City officials attribute this sustained success to a multi-layered approach:
Advanced Technology & AI Policing: Abu Dhabi Police utilize artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital monitoring for proactive threat prevention, ensuring rapid response and effective deployment.
Proactive Urban Safety Planning: Safety is designed into the city through intelligent infrastructure, optimal lighting, open spaces, and smart crowd management, focusing on crime prevention.
Strong Community Partnerships: Police work closely with neighborhoods, businesses, and schools to build public trust. Outreach programs foster cooperation, making safety a shared community responsibility.
Visionary Leadership & Strategy: Sustained political commitment prioritizes safety as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of the capital’s development plan.
UAE: A Nation of Safe Cities
Abu Dhabi’s achievement reflects a broader national strength. Multiple UAE cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman also consistently rank among the world’s safest, with the UAE often listed among the safest countries globally. This collective profile offers profound peace of mind for residents and signals stability to international investors.
Impact on Tourism, Living, and Growth
Safety is a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s identity, directly boosting its appeal:
Tourism: Visitors explore iconic sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi with confidence, day or night.
Quality of Life: A secure environment fosters vibrant nightlife, family activities, and thriving cultural scenes.
Expatriate Attraction: Surveys consistently show that safety is a primary reason expats choose to live and settle long-term in Abu Dhabi.
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A Global Blueprint for Urban Security
Abu Dhabi’s ten-year reign as the world’s safest city provides a powerful model for urban centers worldwide. Its balanced blueprint—merging human-centric policing, cutting-edge technology, and intentional urban design—demonstrates how to elevate public security while enhancing livability, setting a 21st-century standard for cities everywhere.
