Abu Dhabi Leads as World’s Safest City: A Look at the Top 20 Safest Cities Globally

In a world where safety is increasingly valued, the latest rankings from Numbeo’s mid-year 2024 crime index reveal that Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has once again been named the safest city on the planet.

Scoring an impressive 87.1, the UAE capital leads a diverse list of cities that span across Asia, Europe, and North America, each known for their commitment to public safety and security.

Numbeo’s mid-year 2024 crime index ranks 318 cities globally. Numbeo’s crime index is based on a variety of factors that contribute to a city’s safety profile. These include the level of crime, changes in crime rates over the past three years, and how safe residents feel walking alone during the day and at night. Other considerations include concerns about being mugged, car theft, physical attacks, and property crimes. The index also factors in worries about discrimination or being targeted because of one’s skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion.

The Top 5: A Mix of Middle Eastern and Asian Powerhouses

The top five safest cities in the world showcase a strong presence from the Middle East and Asia:

1.Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – With a safety index of 87.1, Abu Dhabi continues to set the global standard for urban safety, marking its dominance as the world’s safest city for yet another year.

2.Taipei, Taiwan – Close on Abu Dhabi’s heels, Taipei scores 84.3, reflecting the city’s well-maintained public safety measures and low crime rates.

3.Doha, Qatar – Not far behind is Doha, with a score of 84.0. Qatar’s capital city is renowned for its strict law enforcement and high quality of life, contributing to its status as one of the safest cities globally.

4.Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Another UAE city, Dubai, ranks fourth with a score of 83.8. Known for its cutting-edge infrastructure and stringent safety protocols, Dubai continues to be a model for other metropolitan cities around the world.

5.Muscat, Oman – Rounding out the top five is Muscat with a score of 80.2. Oman’s capital is celebrated for its peaceful environment and the safety it offers to residents and visitors alike.

European Cities Shine in Safety Rankings

Several European cities have also made their mark in the top 20 safest cities, showcasing the continent’s emphasis on public safety and quality of life.

•The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands – With a score of 79.7, The Hague stands out as the safest city in Europe. Known for its political significance and well-regulated public services, The Hague is a beacon of safety in the Netherlands.

•Munich, Germany – Scoring 79.0, Munich is recognized for its efficient public transport, low crime rates, and excellent healthcare, all contributing to its position as one of Europe’s safest cities.

•Zurich, Switzerland and Eindhoven, Netherlands both with scores close to 78, exemplify how European cities are leading the way in creating secure urban environments.

•Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia also make the list, with scores of 78.6 and 78.3 respectively, highlighting the growing focus on safety in Eastern Europe.

A Global Perspective on Urban Safety

The diversity of the top 20 list illustrates how cities across different regions are prioritizing safety and security. From Quebec City, Canada (78.0) to Tokyo, Japan (75.9) and Reykjavik, Iceland (75.7), these cities are recognized not only for their low crime rates but also for their overall quality of life, which includes factors like healthcare, pollution, and infrastructure.

Singapore (76.5), known for its strict laws and orderly society, and Prague, Czech Republic (75.5), with its historic charm and modern security, round out the list, showcasing a broad spectrum of urban environments where safety is paramount.