As a father of three, one of the things that matters most to me is knowing that my family is safe. It’s not just a box I tick when choosing where to live—it’s the foundation. And having lived in Dubai for many years, I can say with complete honesty that I’ve never felt more at ease about my children’s safety than I do here in the UAE.
So when I saw that the UAE had just been ranked the second safest country in the world for 2025 by Numbeo, it didn’t surprise me. It simply confirmed what I—and so many other families—already know: this is a country that takes safety seriously.
Let’s be honest. When you’re young and carefree, safety might not be top of mind. But once you have kids, everything shifts. Suddenly, the little things matter: Is it safe to let them play outside? Can your partner go for an evening walk alone? Will your teenager be okay taking a taxi home late? These aren’t abstract questions. They’re part of everyday life.
Living in the UAE, these questions have reassuring answers. The streets are clean and well-lit. There’s a strong sense of security wherever you go. Women and children walk freely at all hours. And in all the years I’ve lived here, I’ve never once had to worry when my family is out and about. That kind of peace of mind is hard to put a price on.
According to Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index, the UAE scored an impressive 84.5 out of 100, coming just behind Andorra and ahead of Qatar, Taiwan, and Oman. This isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of a well-thought-out system that puts safety and security at the core of the country’s infrastructure.
Here’s what sets the UAE apart:
- Strict laws and real deterrents: There are clear rules around public behavior, drugs, and crime—with equally clear consequences. That creates a strong deterrent effect that you can feel on the streets. People here know where the lines are, and they know not to cross them.
- Efficient and visible security: One of the biggest differences you notice here is the level of private security embedded into everyday life. Residential buildings, gated communities, malls, schools—just about every part of the city is covered. Security guards are trained, professional, and always present. Whether it's a manned gate at a villa community or round-the-clock surveillance at a high-rise, there’s a sense that someone is always watching out for you. That’s where a lot of the day-to-day protection comes from—not just the police, but the security infrastructure built into how the city functions.
- Smart surveillance: With an extensive network of CCTV cameras and smart policing initiatives (yes, even AI is helping out), crime detection and resolution happen fast. That’s a significant factor in keeping things under control, especially in high-traffic areas or during major events.
- Social harmony: The UAE's strong economy and investment in social welfare reduce the sort of socio-economic stress that can lead to crime in other parts of the world. People have opportunities here, and that makes a real difference.
- A culture of hospitality and respect: This one often goes unnoticed but it’s just as important. The UAE’s leadership actively promotes a culture of mutual respect, tolerance, and hospitality. Antisocial behavior simply isn’t tolerated—whether that’s harassment, aggression, or public disorder. People here are taught to treat one another with dignity, and it shows.
- The visa and sponsorship system: This is another piece of the puzzle. Individuals working or residing in the UAE must be sponsored—usually by an employer or family member—or have the financial means to sponsor themselves. This naturally acts as a filter. Those struggling with issues like long-term unemployment, drug addiction, or chronic criminal behavior would find it incredibly difficult to secure or maintain residency here. It’s a system that reinforces accountability and reduces the root causes of crime from the outset.
Add all of that together and what you get is not just a low crime rate—it’s a feeling of order, stability, and community. Expats and locals alike take pride in their surroundings. People look out for one another. And that shared sense of responsibility is what helps the UAE continue to climb the ranks globally when it comes to safety and quality of life.
When I talk to friends back in the UK or elsewhere, the conversation often turns to safety. Rising crime rates, kids getting caught in the wrong crowd, and parents constantly looking over their shoulders. Sadly, this has become the norm in many major cities.
Just last summer, I was staying across from Hyde Park in London. One evening, I heard police sirens screaming through the night. The next morning, I found out a young girl had been stabbed right there. It was disturbing—and a sharp contrast to what I’ve come to expect living in the UAE.
Meanwhile, here in Dubai, my kids walk to the park, ride their bikes, and even head to the local shop on their own. My wife can meet her friends for dinner and walk home at midnight without a second thought. That level of comfort isn’t just refreshing—it’s empowering.
And don’t just take my word for it. The Crime Index—which measures how safe people feel, how prevalent they believe crime is, and their experience of specific incidents—ranks the UAE second lowest globally. That’s not just data; it’s daily life.
Of course, it’s great that the UAE ranked second in the world. But for me, the most telling sign is how I feel—and how my family feels—every single day.
It’s the calm that comes with watching my kids play outside without needing to hover over them. It’s the ability to go on a trip and know our home is safe. Just last Christmas Eve, my brother's house—along with a string of his neighbours'—was hit by burglars back in the UK. They were all targeted on the same night while people were busy celebrating with their families. That kind of thing just doesn’t happen here.
It’s that inner peace that lets you focus on what really matters: spending time together, enjoying the moment, and building a life without fear in the background.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t just a UAE story. The entire GCC region is becoming known for safety and stability. Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain all made the top 20, with Saudi Arabia rising significantly to 14th place. For anyone thinking about where to live, work, or invest, this regional consistency adds another layer of reassurance.
And in Dubai’s case, safety isn’t being achieved at the expense of quality of life—it’s happening alongside high-quality healthcare, education, entertainment, and business opportunities.
In closing
Final Thoughts
Living in the UAE as a father of three, I don’t take safety for granted. I see it as a daily gift—one that frees us up to truly enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer.
If you’re weighing up a move, or just looking for a place where you and your family can feel secure, this latest ranking should give you pause. Because safety isn’t just about numbers or statistics—it’s about peace of mind, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.
So yes, tax-free income and beachside brunches are great. But knowing my kids are growing up in one of the safest countries in the world? That’s the real luxury.
I you would like to talk more about life in Dubai, or you need any advice or guidance with relocating here please feel free to connect with me.
Next step
Talk to Mitchells
Tell us what you are weighing up — a building, a project, an area, or a rule you need to get right — and we will come back with the specifics that apply to it.
Published 25 March 2025 by Stephen James Mitchell MBA. Market figures quoted reflect the data available at that date.
