The UAE was named the world’s safest country in mid-2025 and this top-tier security status has become a primary driver of the nation’s booming real estate market.
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).
The designation is creating a tangible “safety premium,” attracting a wave of global investors and residents who prioritize security alongside financial returns, fueling record-breaking transactions and boosting investor confidence.
“We are witnessing a fundamental shift in investor priorities. Safety is no longer a secondary benefit; it is a primary asset class,” said Jason Farr, sales director at NOVVI Properties.
Safe haven for global investors and HNWIs
The UAE’s reputation for safety and stability is directly translating into a robust and resilient real estate sector. In the first half of 2025, Dubai recorded over AED431 billion in property transactions, a 25 percent increase year-on-year, with more than 59,000 new investors entering the market. According to NOVVI Properties, this surge is intrinsically linked to the nation’s secure environment.
“Global investors and high-net-worth individuals are seeking safe havens for both their families and their capital. The UAE’s consistent high ranking in global safety indices provides an unparalleled level of assurance, making real estate here one of the most attractive and secure investments worldwide,” added Farr.
This investor confidence is bolstered by a strong, transparent regulatory framework overseen by entities like the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The mandatory use of escrow accounts for off-plan projects ensures that investor funds are protected, minimizing risk and fostering a climate of trust.
Read| Dubai real estate: Off-plan market surges 43 percent in Q2 2025 with $16.4 billion sales
Significant growth expands across all seven emirates
The impact of safety extends across all segments of the UAE real estate market. While luxury properties continue to attract significant attention, the sense of security is also encouraging families and professionals to set down long-term roots, driving demand for villas and apartments in established and emerging suburban communities.
“The feeling of security is a powerful catalyst for the residential market. Clients are not just buying a property; they are investing in a lifestyle defined by peace of mind. This confidence is expanding the market’s geographic footprint, with significant growth now seen not just in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but across all seven emirates, including hotspots in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah,” notes Brian Flanagan, head of leasing at NOVVI Properties.
As the UAE continues to build on its reputation for safety, stability and economic diversification, the real estate market will maintain its strong upward trajectory, cementing its status as a premier global destination for secure and profitable property investment.
