The UAE has climbed one place, becoming the safest country in the world this year, according to Numbeo’s Safety Index by Country 2025 Mid-Year. Since the beginning of the year, the UAE’s score has climbed from 84.5 to 85.2 on the index, surpassing Andorra, which held the top spot at the beginning of the year with a score of 84.7 (currently 84.8).
Following the UAE in the mid-year review are Andorra, Qatar (84.6), Taiwan (83.0) and Macao (81.8), respectively.
GCC nations dominate
In addition to the UAE, several GCC nations feature on the updated list of the safest countries. For instance, Qatar ranks third with a score of 84.6, while Oman comes in 6th with a score of 81.4.
Saudi Arabia has maintained its position in 14th place, yet its score rose to 76.3 from 76.1 earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bahrain came in 15th place with a score of 76.2, up one place since the beginning of the year when its score was 75.5.
Why is the UAE the safest country in the world?
The UAE is considered the safest country in the world because it has strict laws regarding crime, drug use and public behavior, with severe penalties for violations. This acts as a deterrent to criminal activities. Law enforcement is highly efficient, with a strong police presence and a well-equipped security infrastructure.
The country also has extensive surveillance, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, helping authorities monitor and prevent crime effectively. Artificial intelligence and smart policing initiatives are also contributing to quick crime detection and resolution.
The UAE’s strong economy and high standard of living also reduce incentives for crime. The government invests in social welfare and job opportunities, preventing socio-economic issues that could lead to unrest.
Women and children can move around safely, even at night, due to well-lit streets, frequent police patrols, and strict anti-harassment laws. Tourists also frequently report feeling secure in the UAE compared to many other global destinations.
The 20 safest countries in the world
According to Numbeo’s “Safety Index by Country 2025 Mid-Year,” the 20 safest countries in the world are:
1. United Arab Emirates – 85.2
2. Andorra – 84.8
3. Qatar – 84.6
4. Taiwan – 83.0
5. Macao (China) – 81.8
6. Oman – 81.4
7. Isle Of Man – 79.1
8. Hong Kong (China) – 78.5
9. Armenia – 77.6
10. Singapore – 77.4
11. Japan – 77.3
12. China – 76.5
13. Estonia – 76.5
14. Saudi Arabia – 76.3
15. Bahrain – 76.2
16. Slovenia – 75.6
17. Monaco – 75.3
18. Croatia – 74.6
19. Netherlands – 74.2
20. Iceland – 74.2
Read: Why the GCC region dominates the list of the world’s safest cities in 2025
What are the least safe countries in the world?
According to the latest data, the countries considered the least safe in the world this year are primarily those grappling with political instability, economic crises, or high crime rates. Topping the list is Haiti, with a safety score of just 19.0, followed closely by Papua New Guinea (19.3) and Venezuela (19.5).
Afghanistan and South Africa follow, scoring 24.8 and 25.4 respectively. Honduras (28.1), Trinidad and Tobago (29.0), and Syria (31.6) also feature prominently on the list, largely due to high levels of violence or ongoing conflict. Rounding out the bottom ten are Jamaica (32.6) and Peru (33.3).
