UAE secures second spot in 2025 Global Safety Rankings
GCC nations dominate top safety rankings this year
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked as the second safest country globally in the latest 2025 Safety Index released by Numbeo, achieving a commendable safety score of 84.5.
This places the UAE just behind Andorra, which secured the top position with a score of 84.7.
Qatar follows closely in third place with a score of 84.2, underscoring the prominence of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in ensuring safety and security.
GCC countries shine
The dominance of GCC nations in the upper echelons of the safety index is evident, with Oman securing the fifth position globally with a score of 81.7. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also feature prominently, ranking 14th and 16th respectively. This collective achievement highlights the region's commitment to maintaining low crime rates and ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors.
Numbeo, a renowned crowdsourced global database, compiles its safety index based on user-contributed data. The index evaluates perceptions of crime levels, safety concerns, and personal experiences related to property and violent crimes. While the data provides valuable insights into global safety perceptions, it's essential to note that these figures are based on individual contributions and may differ from official government statistics.
Top 10 safest countries
According to Numbeo's 2025 Safety Index, the top ten safest countries are:
- Andorra – 84.7
- United Arab Emirates – 84.5
- Qatar – 84.2
- Taiwan – 82.9
- Oman – 81.7
- Isle of Man – 79.0
- Hong Kong (China) – 78.5
- Armenia – 77.9
- Singapore – 77.4
- Japan – 77.1
Who ranks where?
On the other end of the spectrum, Venezuela has been identified as the least safe country, with a safety index of 19.3. The bottom five also include Papua New Guinea (19.7), Haiti (21.1), Afghanistan (24.9), and South Africa (25.3). These rankings reflect ongoing challenges related to political instability, economic hardships, and elevated crime rates in these nations.
Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom have experienced notable shifts in their safety rankings. The US is positioned at 89th with a safety score of 50.8, while the UK stands at 87th. These positions indicate evolving perceptions and concerns about safety in these countries.
In South Asia, Pakistan ranks 65th with a safety score of 56.3, slightly ahead of India, which is at 66th with a score of 55.7. These rankings suggest a moderate perception of safety in the region, influenced by various socio-political factors.
For travellers, these rankings serve as a valuable resource in making informed decisions about destinations. Countries with higher safety scores are often preferred for their low crime rates and stable environments, while those with lower scores may warrant increased caution and awareness.