Alright, let’s get one thing straight — if safety were a global Olympics sport, the UAE would be standing proudly on the podium with a smug grin and a gold medal… okay, fine, a silver medal. But just barely. According to the number-crunching wizards over at Numbeo, the UAE has officially been crowned the second safest country in the world, trailing just behind Andorra — a teeny European principality that’s basically smaller than your local Friday brunch queue in Dubai.
If there were an Olympics for safety, the UAE would be standing proudly on the podium, waving a flag, and flashing a winning grin — clutching that silver medal like a pro. According to the data detectives over at Numbeo, the UAE has been ranked the second safest country on the planet, and we’re talking barely-second. It lost to Andorra by just 0.2 points. Seriously, that’s like losing a race by the width of a falafel.
Wait… Who or What is Andorra?
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the underdog (or under-principality). Andorra, with a score of 84.7, beat the UAE’s 84.5 by a whisper. Never heard of it? You’re not alone. It’s a pocket-sized country nestled between France and Spain, with fewer people than a typical Dubai brunch. But hey, it’s got clean air, stunning mountains, and apparently, zero crime.
GCC: The Safety Squad of the World
Turns out, the UAE isn’t the only star in the Gulf when it comes to safety. Our friendly neighborhood countries are also acing the class. Qatar came in third with a score of 84.2, while Oman rounded out the top five with 81.7. It’s like the entire GCC is on a group mission called: Operation Peace of Mind.
Abu Dhabi: The Safety Overachiever We All Need
Now let’s talk cities. Because while the UAE is safe overall, some cities are just show-offs. Abu Dhabi, we see you. With a safety index of 88, it’s been ranked the safest city in the world for nine straight years. That’s not a fluke — that’s a legacy.
Dubai isn’t far behind with a score of 83.9, proving that even with all its glitz, glam, and sky-high towers, it’s still got your back. Sharjah slides in right after at 83.8, and Ras Al Khaimah — the chill cousin who loves beaches and mountain hikes — is sitting comfortably in fourth.
How Does Numbeo Know All This Stuff?
Great question! Numbeo’s safety index isn’t just pulled out of a magic hat. It’s based on user responses from the past 36 months — real people sharing real experiences. They look at things like how safe people feel walking alone at night, how worried they are about burglary, violent crime, and even discrimination. Basically, it’s like the Yelp of safety — but with math.
Bottom Line
So whether you’re walking your dog at midnight in Abu Dhabi, taking selfies in Dubai Marina, or sipping tea in a quiet Ras Al Khaimah café, you can rest easy. The UAE isn’t just safe — it’s superhero-safe. And who knows… if Andorra ever lets its guard down, we’ll be right there to snag the gold.
