In 2025, cities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region have once again emerged at the top of global safety rankings. From Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Doha and Muscat, the region dominates lists measuring personal and urban safety, outperforming many of the world’s most developed urban centers.
These rankings, drawn from sources such as Numbeo, consistently highlight low crime rates, political stability and robust infrastructure as defining features of life in GCC cities.
But what exactly makes these cities so safe, and why does this trend persist year after year? The answer lies in a unique combination of strict governance, technological investment, political stability and social cohesion, all of which contribute to order and security that few regions can match.
Understanding safety in global rankings
According to the online database Numbeo, Abu Dhabi was ranked first on the world’s safest cities list for the 9th consecutive year in 2025, reflecting the emirate’s efforts to develop pioneering security plans, strategies and initiatives. The top 10 safest cities list also included key GCC cities, including Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, Manama and Muscat.
Numbeo derives its data from surveys that are structured similarly to established scientific and governmental surveys. To maintain data accuracy, it employs spam filtering algorithms that exclude inputs from users exhibiting suspicious behavior. Survey results are then scaled from 0 to 100 for easier interpretation and comparison. The index is updated continuously and is compiled from data within the past 5 years.
To come up with the safest cities in the world ranking, Numbeo inverts the results of its Crime Index, which accounts for general perception of crime levels, perceived safety during daylight and nighttime, concerns about specific crimes, property crime severity and violent crime severity.
Notably, the UAE ranked as the second safest country in the world this year. The UAE also ranked as the country with the second-lowest rate of crime globally, further solidifying its status as one of the safest countries in the world.
Why are GCC cities among the safest globally?
Several factors contribute to the overall safety of cities in the GCC region, some of which include efficient police forces, strong social cohesion, political stability, high standards of living and the adoption of advanced technology.
Low crime rates
Several interlinked factors contribute to a city being ranked among the world’s safest. Chief among them are low crime rates, a key trend across GCC cities. Low crime rates typically reflect effective policing, strong legal systems and active community engagement. When public spaces feel secure, residents are more likely to participate in social and economic life, reinforcing civic trust and public order.
For instance, the Abu Dhabi Police play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s safety. Their efforts include community policing, advanced technology and regular training programs for officers. Police in the city seek to build strong relationships with residents to foster trust and cooperation. The Abu Dhabi Police also utilizes the latest technology to monitor and respond to incidents and crime swiftly.
Political stability
Political and social stability also play a vital role in the safety of GCC cities. Cities in stable countries with minimal unrest tend to enjoy better law enforcement, consistent delivery of services and a more cohesive society. Access to quality education, inclusive governance and economic opportunity also contribute to long-term peace and resilience.
In Doha, low crime rates and strict law enforcement contribute to the city’s overall safety. Notably, achieved a score of 84.1 on the Numbeo safety index, making it the second safest city in the world in 2025. The country maintains political stability and has a high standard of living, which contributes to public safety and social order. Additionally, the presence of a large police force and advanced security infrastructure ensures a quick response to any threats.
Economic strength and social cohesion
Economic strength is another pillar of safety in the GCC region. Cities like Dubai and Doha, with low poverty and inequality levels, are less vulnerable to crime and unrest. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare and innovation, like those seen in the UAE, Qatar and Oman, help foster a high standard of living and a well-functioning public sector.
Cultural norms also matter. In many of the world’s safest cities, residents take personal responsibility for public order, guided by values that emphasize respect, community and vigilance. By contrast, cities where violence is normalized and trust in institutions is low often struggle with safety.
Strong national security policies
Finally, national security policies underpin the overall environment. A balance between public order and civil liberties, enforced by fair and transparent institutions, is key. For instance, Abu Dhabi’s combination of strict regulations and efficient enforcement has been central to its global safety ranking. Together, these factors create the foundation for truly safe cities.
Similar to other GCC cities, Dubai has some stringent laws regarding the security of its residents. The Dubai Police Department is known for its efficiency and integrity, ranking among the most transparent and dedicated police departments in the world. Notably, the Dubai Police became the first in the region to use DNA testing and electronic fingerprints during crime investigations and move towards a paperless system.
Read| The 10 safest cities in the world in 2025: A global safety snapshot
What steps are GCC cities taking to maintain high safety levels?
In 2025, GCC cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha are at the forefront of redefining urban safety through innovation and strategic planning. A key trend is the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in managing core urban functions—from smart traffic control and predictive policing to responsive public services and citizen engagement platforms. These technologies not only enhance daily safety but also contribute to more efficient, data-driven governance.
The region is also investing heavily in next-generation mobility, emphasizing clean, autonomous and interconnected transport systems. In addition, healthcare in the GCC is evolving beyond treatment-based systems toward prevention-focused digital ecosystems. Smart hospitals, AI-powered diagnostics and early intervention models are increasingly embedded into urban infrastructure, reinforcing public well-being as a pillar of safety.
Cities across the GCC region are also intensifying efforts around cybersecurity and data protection, recognizing digital infrastructure as a new frontier of urban safety. Governments are promoting data privacy awareness and investing in systems that shield critical sectors from cyber threats, which is crucial in a region rapidly embracing digital transformation.
Finally, climate resilience has emerged as a priority. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more common, GCC cities are adopting key climate and net-zero strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
