The UAE’s Crown Jewel: Dubai
It might surprise you that Dubai, a city many associate with Middle Eastern tensions, consistently ranks among the world’s safest destinations. Abu Dhabi has been ranked the safest city in the world for 2024, according to the online database Numbeo. Dubai ranked number four with Taiwan taking second place and Doha on third. The city’s crime statistics tell an incredible story that most travelers never hear about.
Dubai’s safety numbers are genuinely shocking when you compare them to home. Dubai Police states that the crime rate in Dubai has dropped by 15% from 2018. What’s even more remarkable? The Khaleej Times Newspaper has reported a 38% drop in serious violent crime over the last five years. Many tourists find themselves leaving expensive phones unattended at restaurant tables, only to return and find them exactly where they left them.
The crime rate in Dubai is much lower than comparable countries in other regions of the world. The city’s extensive surveillance network and strict law enforcement create an environment where even petty theft is rare. Walking alone at night feels safer than most Western capitals, and that’s backed up by hard data.
Singapore: Asia’s Safety Miracle
Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, possibly due to the severe penalties that are issued for even small crimes. This island nation has achieved something extraordinary in urban safety that puts most home countries to shame. The numbers don’t lie about this remarkable transformation.
Singapore’s crime rate is not only the lowest in Asia but one of the lowest crime rates in the world for several reasons. One is the culture of Singapore: children are taught from a young age to have self-discipline and to follow and respect the law. The result is a society where tourists experience virtually zero violent crime.
What makes Singapore truly special is how safe it feels compared to your hometown. In a Gallup report from 2018, Singapore residents felt the highest sense of personal security and had more positive experiences with law enforcement than did residents of any other country. Imagine feeling more secure walking through downtown Singapore at midnight than you do in your own neighborhood during daylight hours.
Qatar’s Zero-Crime Wonder
Here’s a statistic that will blow your mind: Qatar has achieved a crime rate of 0.00 per 100,000 people in 2022. Yes, you read that correctly – essentially zero reported crimes per capita. This makes Qatar not just safe, but statistically one of the safest places on Earth for tourists.
Qatar stands out as one of the safest countries in Asia and indeed the world. In 2024, this status is further supported by a crime index of only 16.0. The current safety index of 84.0 further emphasizes this secure environment that allows residents and visitors to feel at ease while exploring the country.
The country’s approach to safety goes beyond statistics. The general public expresses high levels of confidence in their safety, with many residents leaving their belongings unattended in public spaces. Try doing that in your hometown and see what happens – Qatar’s reality would seem impossible in most Western cities.
Japan: Where Lost Wallets Come Home
Japan’s reputation for safety isn’t just cultural mythology – it’s measurable reality. Japan has extremely strict and rigid laws when it comes to even the most minor offenses. These penalties are typically credited as being a strong deterrent that helps make Japan one of the safest countries in Asia. Japan has a low murder rate, and serious crimes are rare and not experienced by the average traveler.
The country’s crime prevention approach creates an environment that seems almost surreal to foreign visitors. Stories of tourists losing expensive items only to have them returned untouched by police are so common they’ve become legendary. This level of public honesty and safety exceeds what most people experience in their home countries.
Global Guardian assesses Japan as one of the safest travel destinations in the world, though there is no such thing as risk-free travel. The cultural emphasis on social harmony and respect creates a protective environment that extends naturally to tourists, making Japan safer than the vast majority of home destinations worldwide.
Portugal: Europe’s Hidden Safety Champion
Portugal comes in seventh among the most peaceful countries rankings for 2023. In 2014, Portugal was ranked 18th globally and has since made significant strides. Unlike Iceland and New Zealand, Portugal has armed police; however, an increased police presence has resulted in a decreased crime rate in the country.
What makes Portugal particularly appealing is its combination of European culture with exceptional safety statistics. Portugal has much of the allure and safety of Spain but with significantly fewer tourists. And fewer tourists mean fewer tourist-directed crimes. This creates a perfect storm of safety that often exceeds what tourists experience at home.
In recent years, Portugal has experienced an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from over 17% to under 7%. Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement, due in no small part to its high level of safety. Economic stability translates directly into personal security for visitors.
Iceland: The Unarmed Police Paradise
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 15th year in a row. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a relatively small population of 382,000. This consistent ranking isn’t accidental – it reflects a fundamental approach to society that prioritizes peace over conflict.
Iceland has no military, and the police do not carry firearms (only extendable batons and pepper spray). Imagine visiting a country where law enforcement doesn’t need guns because violent crime is so rare. This creates an atmosphere of trust and safety that feels almost impossible compared to heavily armed police forces in many home countries.
Iceland has a very low level of crime, which is typically attributed to its high standard of living, small population, strong social attitudes against crime, a high level of trust in its well-trained police force, and a lack of tension among social and economic classes. The result is a society where tourists experience safety levels that exceed anything they’re accustomed to at home.
New Zealand: Adventure Without Danger
New Zealand is the fourth-safest country in the world. Like Iceland, New Zealand has a very low crime rate, and violent crime is especially rare. This creates the perfect environment for adventure tourism without the safety concerns that plague many home destinations.
The country’s approach to visitor safety is comprehensive and effective. For expats moving to New Zealand, particularly those with families, safety is a primary concern, and New Zealand is about as safe as it gets. The country has a remarkably low crime rate compared to global averages. The people of New Zealand are also renowned for their friendly and accepting nature. Communities also tend to have a real sense of solidarity.
It’s even harder to get to than Australia. The lack of casual visitors greatly reduces the rate of happenstance crimes. This isolation factor actually works in tourists’ favor, creating a bubble of safety that’s hard to find elsewhere in the world.