Abu Dhabi has been named the safest city in the world for the eighth consecutive year, according to the 2024 Global Liveability Index published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The UAE capital recorded a Safety Index score of 88.2 — the highest of any city in the ranking — and posted the world's lowest Crime Index score of just 11.8 points, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most secure urban environments on earth.
Abu Dhabi Tops Safety Rankings for Eighth Year Running
The EIU's 2024 Global Liveability Index assessed 173 cities worldwide across five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Abu Dhabi led the field on safety, with its near-perfect Safety Index score and rock-bottom crime figure demonstrating the depth of the emirate's security infrastructure.
Dubai also featured prominently, placing fifth globally among cities with the lowest crime rates. Together, the two UAE cities reinforced the country's position as one of the safest destinations in the world for residents, businesses, and tourists alike.
UAE Cities Lead the Middle East and Africa Region
Within the Middle East and Africa region, Abu Dhabi retained the top spot for overall liveability, with Dubai following closely in second place. Both cities recorded notable improvements in their healthcare and education scores — a direct reflection of continued government investment in public services.
Other Gulf cities — including Kuwait City, Doha, and Bahrain — also appeared among the region's highest-ranked entries. Remarkably, 8 of the top 10 cities in the full global ranking were from GCC nations, underscoring the Gulf's emergence as a hub for high-quality urban living, business development, and skilled workforce attraction.
Healthcare and Education Drive High Liveability Scores
Strong healthcare and education infrastructure are central to both cities' high liveability scores. Data from the Dubai Health Authority shows the emirate has 5,020 licensed healthcare facilities and 13,370 licensed doctors. Abu Dhabi's health network comprises 3,323 facilities in total — including 67 hospitals, 1,136 health centres, and 1,068 pharmacies — supported by 12,922 licensed doctors as of December 2022.
In education, Abu Dhabi operates 459 schools serving all levels, from primary through to secondary. Dubai has over 220 private schools meeting the needs of its diverse international population. Both tallies contribute directly to the top-tier education scores that help anchor the cities' liveability rankings.
What the Index Measures
The EIU Global Liveability Index ranks 173 cities around the world each year using a detailed scoring framework that covers stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The 2024 results confirm the UAE's consistent drive to create safe, well-serviced, and prosperous urban environments — a commitment that has now earned Abu Dhabi the title of the world's safest city eight years in a row.
