UAE, Qatar and Oman rank among world’s safest countries as UK and US lag behind

The UAE has once again been ranked the second safest country in the world, according to the 2025 Safety Index by Numbeo, maintaining its position from last year with an impressive score of 84.5. Andorra claimed the top spot at 84.7, while Qatar followed closely in third with 84.2. Oman secured fifth place globally, reinforcing the Gulf region’s strong showing.

The index, based on user-contributed surveys focused on perceptions of crime and safety, also placed Saudi Arabia in 14th position, a notable jump from 26th last year. Bahrain, meanwhile, dropped slightly to 16th. The UK fell three places to 87th, while the US held steady at 89th.

Despite ongoing conflict, Palestine ranked 61st and Ukraine 80th. In total, 147 countries were assessed, with Venezuela ranked the least safe, followed by Papua New Guinea, Haiti, Afghanistan and South Africa.

The UAE: World’s Second Safest Country to Visit in 2025

🇦🇩 Andorra (#1)
🇦🇪 UAE (#2)
🇶🇦 Qatar (#3)
🇹🇼 Taiwan (#4)
🇴🇲 Oman (#5)

Source: Numbeo Safety Index pic.twitter.com/AqxRj8FijN

— MoneyDubai (@MoneyDubai_ae) March 25, 2025

READ: Arab-European citizens are moving to the Gulf for a better quality of life

Numbeo’s methodology includes surveys on perceived crime levels, safety during the day and night, and concerns about specific crimes such as theft, harassment and assault. It also factors in discrimination and property crime.

“Andorra, the tiny European country nestled between Spain and France, has claimed the top spot,” the report stated. “With a population of just 82,638 and covering only 181 square miles, Andorra boasts low crime rates, making it an ideal destination for travellers prioritising safety.”

Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, also topped Numbeo’s list of the world’s safest cities earlier this year for the ninth consecutive time, with a safety index of 88.4 and crime index of just 11.6.

Moreover, the World Happiness Report for 2025 this month ranked Oman 52nd with a score of 6.147 out of 10, placing it fourth in the Arab World. The UAE which ranks 21st globally secured the top spot in the Arab world.

READ: 1 in 3 British Muslims consider leaving UK amid rising Islamophobia