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What To Know
- Notably, the city ranked first globally for safety when walking alone, both during the day and at night — a key indicator that highlights how secure the city feels at all hours.
- For residents and visitors alike, safety in Abu Dhabi is not an abstract statistic — it is a daily experience.
- Abu Dhabi has officially been named the world’s safest city for 2026, reaffirming its position at the top of the global safety index for the tenth consecutive year.
Abu Dhabi has officially been named the world’s safest city for 2026, reaffirming its position at the top of the global safety index for the tenth consecutive year. The latest ranking places the UAE capital ahead of more than 400 cities across 150 countries, underscoring its long-standing reputation for security, stability, and exceptional quality of life.
For residents and visitors alike, safety in Abu Dhabi is not an abstract statistic — it is a daily experience. Late-night walks, early-morning jogs, and family outings after sunset are part of everyday life, reflecting a city where peace of mind is built into the urban fabric.
Abu Dhabi Tops Numbeo’s Global Safety Index Again
The ranking comes from Numbeo’s 2026 Global Safety Index, one of the world’s most widely referenced databases for quality-of-life indicators. Abu Dhabi secured the number one position overall, continuing a decade-long run at the top.
Notably, the city ranked first globally for safety when walking alone, both during the day and at night — a key indicator that highlights how secure the city feels at all hours. For locals, this sense of safety is instinctive, shaping how people live, move, and interact within the city.
A City Designed Around Security and Confidence
Behind Abu Dhabi’s calm and secure atmosphere is a carefully planned and continuously evolving security strategy. The emirate has invested heavily in advanced policing systems, smart surveillance, and digital transformation, ensuring safety measures keep pace with rapid urban growth.
Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, has previously highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and data-driven policing in maintaining the city’s safety record. The focus is firmly on prevention rather than reaction, identifying potential risks before they escalate.
Proactive Policing and Smart Technology at the Core
Abu Dhabi Police operate with a proactive, forward-looking approach. Continuous monitoring, rapid response systems, and AI-powered analysis allow authorities to remain in a constant state of readiness. This approach ensures that security is seamless and largely invisible — felt through confidence rather than enforcement.
From residential neighbourhoods to public spaces and major events, safety strategies are integrated into daily life, contributing to an environment that feels both relaxed and well-managed.
More Than a Ranking: A Lived Reality
For ten years in a row, Abu Dhabi’s top ranking has gone beyond international recognition. It has shaped the city’s identity as one of the most liveable destinations in the world, attracting families, professionals, investors, and tourists who value stability as much as opportunity.
In Abu Dhabi, safety is not marketed as a luxury or a temporary achievement. It is a consistent standard — one that continues to define the emirate’s global reputation in 2026 and beyond.
