Abu Dhabi has been named the safest city in the world for the eighth consecutive year

Abu Dhabi has once again been crowned the safest city in the world and the most sustainable city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to the latest Global Sustainability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and the global ranking of Numbeo for 2024.

This marks the eighth consecutive year that the UAE capital has taken the top spot, strengthening its reputation as a global benchmark for safety and quality of life.

Facade and entrance of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The city achieved an impressive 88.2 points on Numbeo’s Safety Index, reflecting its outstanding efforts to ensure the well-being of its residents. The city’s Crime Index score is just 11.8, indicating an extremely low level of crime.

But Abu Dhabi’s distinctions don’t end with security. The city is also recognized for its superior healthcare and education systems, which contribute significantly to its sustainability. With 3,323 healthcare facilities, including 67 hospitals and 1,068 pharmacies, and 12,922 licensed doctors, Abu Dhabi’s healthcare infrastructure is among the best in the world.

Education is another area in which

Emirates Palace. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Abu Dhabi excels. The city has 459 schools in private, public and mixed options for the academic year 2023-2024, ensuring that its residents have access to high-quality education.

As Abu Dhabi leads the way in safety and sustainability, other Gulf cities are also making strides. Kuwait City, Doha and Bahrain move up the ranks, with Dubai not far behind. Dubai ranks second for sustainability in the UAE and fifth globally for safety, further underscoring the region’s overall commitment to providing a safe and stable environment for its citizens.

Taipei is the only non-Gulf city to feature in the top five in the global safety ranking, securing fourth place.

Safety Index Ranking:

1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 88.2
2. Ajman, United Arab Emirates – 84.2
3. Doha, Qatar – 84.0
4. Taipei, Taiwan – 83.7
5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 83.6
6. Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates – 82.9
7. Muscat, Oman – 80.6
8. The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands – 79.7
9. Munich, Germany – 79.5
10. Trondheim, Norway – 79.4

Abu Dhabi’s continued dominance in these rankings underscores its success in fostering an environment where security, stability and world-class services are priorities.

As the city continues to improve in key areas such as healthcare and education, it not only strengthens its own sustainability, but also sets a benchmark for cities around the world.

Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS