Top 20 safest cities in 2025: Abu Dhabi tops
ABU Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, has topped the list of safest cities for 2025, followed by other secure global destinations with low crime and high safety scores, as per CEO World.
300 cities ranked
Abu Dhabi claims the top spot as the world's safest city for 2025, earning a stellar safety score of 97.73 out of 100 in CEOWORLD magazine's ranking of 300 global cities.
The UAE city outshines Taipei (97.5) and Doha (97.35), thanks to robust law enforcement, AI-driven surveillance, and community policing initiatives like the Civil Defence Safety Patrol that minimise risks across residential and commercial areas.
Secure destinations
Low crime rates, political stability, and modern infrastructure make it ideal for residents, expats, and tourists seeking peace of mind.
These secure destinations reflect strong governance and proactive safety measures, drawing investors to stable real estate markets in the Gulf region.
Beyond crime prevention, Abu Dhabi's holistic approach fosters family-friendly environments and boosts property values amid global uncertainties.
Travellers enjoy worry-free exploration, while the city's consistent top performance underscores its model for urban security worldwide.
Top 20 Safest Cities 2025
CEOWORLD magazine ranks these cities based on safety scores from crime statistics, law enforcement effectiveness, and infrastructure security.
Below is a table summarising the top 20, including available population estimates and key tourist spots where data is accessible (full populations vary by source and recent censuses.)
Rank City Country Population (approx.) Description Tourist Spots
1 Abu Dhabi UAE 1.5 million Tops with 97.73 score due to AI surveillance and community policing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island.
2 Taipei Taiwan 2.6 million Second at 97.5, low crime, efficient transport Taipei 101, night markets, Longshan Temple.
3 Doha Qatar 2.9 million (metro) 97.35 score from strict laws, family policies Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, Pearl-Qatar.
4 Ajman UAE 0.5 million 97.04, tranquil emirate with community focus Ajman Museum, beaches, Corniche.
5 Dubai UAE 3.6 million 97.03, advanced cameras, zero street crime Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah.
6 Ras al-Khaimah UAE 0.4 million 96.98, coastal safety emphasis Jebel Jais, adventure parks, beaches.
7 Muscat Oman 1.4 million 96.93, cultural heritage, minimal risks Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq.
8 The Hague Netherlands 0.6 million 96.89, strong rule of law Peace Palace, Binnenhof, Scheveningen Beach.
9 Bern Switzerland 0.4 million 96.79, stable, low inequality Old Town (UNESCO), Bear Park, Zytglogge.
10 Munich Germany 1.6 million 96.67, efficient security Marienplatz, English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace.
11 Trondheim Norway 0.2 million 96.15, Nordic safety standards Nidaros Cathedral, Rockheim Museum.
12 Ljubljana Slovenia 0.3 million 96.07, peaceful capital Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Tivoli Park.
13 Groningen Netherlands 0.2 million 95.93, student-friendly security Martinitoren, canals, Northern Maritime Museum.
14 Zagreb Croatia 0.8 million 95.79, low violence Upper Town, St. Mark's Church, markets.
15 Hong Kong Hong Kong 7.5 million 95.56, robust policing Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Temple Street Market.
16 Yerevan Armenia 1.1 million 95.48, stable urban area Cascade Complex, Vernissage Market, Matenadaran.
17 Eindhoven Netherlands 0.2 million 94.94, tech hub safety Van Abbemuseum, Philips Stadium, markets.
18 Quebec City Canada 0.5 million 94.9, historic security Old Quebec (UNESCO), Château Frontenac, Plains of Abraham.
19 Cluj-Napoca Romania 0.3 million 94.36, vibrant low-crime city St. Michael's Church, Union Square, botanical garden.
20 Zurich Switzerland 0.4 million 94.35, financial safety leader Lake Zurich, Grossmünster, Bahnhofstrasse
*Sources: CEOWorld, World Atlas
