UAE is world’s safest country to explore after dark

The UAE has been named the world’s safest country to explore after dark, according to a new study by UK-based travel agency Travelbag, with Abu Dhabi crowned world’s safest city at night.

 

Abu Dhabi’s position at the summit further strengthens its reputation as the world’s safest city, a distinction it has maintained for nine consecutive years in the annual Numbeo Safety Index.

 

Notably, five UAE cities — Abu Dhabi (#1), Dubai (#2), Sharjah (#3), Ras Al Khaimah (#4) and Ajman (#7) — dominated Travelbag’s global rankings for nighttime safety, standing out among more than 100 cities assessed worldwide.

 

All UAE cities excelled due to their low crime rates, visible police presence and robust emergency response systems, making them attractive and secure destinations for after-dark exploration.

 

Building on the UAE’s success, the Gulf region demonstrates exceptional nighttime safety, with seven of the top 10 safest cities at night located in the region, including Doha in 6th place and Muscat in 8th.

 

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Beyond safety, Abu Dhabi and Dubai also stood out for their vibrant and scenic nighttime environments, with Dubai ranking third and Abu Dhabi 12th. Factors included Instagram hashtag popularity, the number of late-night venues and levels of light and noise pollution. 

 

Abu Dhabi achieved a safety score of 87 out of 100, offering a calm, low-pollution environment and 62 late-night venues that cater to those seeking peaceful evening activities. 

 

Behind this recognition is a combination of cutting-edge security strategies, innovative initiatives and a citywide commitment to keeping the good vibes going, with the Abu Dhabi Police playing an active role in this.

 

Dubai, meanwhile, scored 83, reflecting its dynamic nightlife with 190 venues open late, although it faces higher noise and light pollution due to its bustling urban energy. This follows Dubai being named the safest cruise ship stopover worldwide according to InsureMyTrip.

 

Beyond cities in the Gulf, cities in Europe and Asia rounded out the top 10 safest at night, including Taipei in Taiwan, The Hague in the Netherlands and Munich in Germany.

 

Travelbag’s Top 15 Safest Cities in 2025 and their scores:

1. Abu Dhabi, UAE – 88.0
2. Dubai, UAE – 83.9
3. Sharjah, UAE – 83.8
4. Ras Al Khaimah – 83.7
5. Taipei, Taiwan – 83.7
6. Doha, Qatar – 83.6
7. Ajman, UAE – 82.9
8. Muscat, Oman – 80.9
9. The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands – 79.5
10. Munich, Germany – 79.2
11. Trondheim, Norway – 79.1
12. Zagreb, Croatia – 78.6
13. Eindhoven, Netherlands – 78.5
14. Hong Kong – 78.5
15. Ljubljana, Slovenia – 78.5

For more information, visit www.travelbag.co.uk

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