The UAE and four other nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been ranked among the safest countries globally for nighttime safety.
According to Gallup’s Global Safety Report, Singapore leads worldwide in people feeling secure walking alone at night, followed by Tajikistan, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Norway, Bahrain, and the UAE.
The UAE and its neighboring GCC countries rank above nations like Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Germany, the UK, and the US.
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Gallup, a US-based analytics and advisory company, noted that high levels of perceived nighttime safety are consistently found in the GCC, driven by more than just low crime rates.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Julie Ray, Gallup’s managing editor for World News, mentioned that GCC countries have consistently ranked high on safety, and in 2024, five of the top 10 are GCC countries.
“Many countries report nearly universal feelings of safety. In the UAE, for instance, this figure has never dropped below 90 per cent. These rankings are due to factors like centralized governance, strong public order, and continuous investment in urban safety and infrastructure,” Ray explained.
In July, the UAE was ranked the safest country globally by Numbeo, an online database firm. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the largest emirates, are consistently among the safest cities in global surveys.
“In many GCC countries, there’s a shared focus on security, enforcement, and visible state presence, fostering a strong sense of safety among residents. People’s satisfaction with their communities also influences how safe they feel. In the UAE, 90 per cent are generally satisfied, contributing to their sense of safety,” Ray added.
Gallup highlighted that these rankings reflect factors like centralized governance, strong public order, and ongoing urban safety investments. A shared focus on security and visible state presence enhances safety in many GCC countries.
“High perceived safety levels are common in economically advanced countries with strong legal frameworks and low interpersonal violence. In such environments, public safety is supported by legal structures and trust in institutions.”
Globally, 73 per cent of adults feel secure walking alone at night in their area, a three-point increase from 2023, marking the highest level since Gallup began this survey in 2006, surpassing the previous peak of 72 per cent in 2020.
Countries where nighttime safety is lowest are mostly African, including South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Liberia, Ecuador, Chile, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Myanmar, and Chad.
The latest results are based on interviews with 145,170 adults aged 15 and older across 144 countries and territories.
