Living abroad · UAE
Security in the UAE: one of the safest in the world - facts
Updated: June 2026·9 min read·Expert reviewed
Terms and costs verified: June 2026
Contents
The UAE consistently ranks among the top 25 safest countries according to the Global Peace Index. Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank first in city safety ratings. There is virtually no street crime here. Surveillance cameras are everywhere. The police react quickly. All this creates a feeling of tranquility that is difficult to find in other cities. But security in the UAE is not only about low crime. These are also strict laws that work both ways. They protect you from thieves and scammers. But they can also become a problem if you don’t know the local rules. Public behavior, alcohol, social networks - all this is regulated differently than in Russia or Europe. This article gives a picture. What is really happening on the streets, which areas should be chosen and what to avoid. And most importantly, what to pay attention to before moving in order to live comfortably and without surprises.
UAE in world safety rankings
The Global Peace Index 2024 ranked the UAE ~24th out of 163 countries. This is higher than the US, France and most EU countries. The country has been consistently in the top quarter of the rankings for the last ten years.
Numbeo - the largest security database - assigns Dubai a Crime Index of about 16. For comparison: Moscow - about 40, London - about 45, Mexico City - above 70. The lower the index, the safer.
Dubai's Safety Index is about 84 out of 100. This is one of the best indicators among megacities in the world. Abu Dhabi shows similar figures.
These numbers confirm what everyone moving to the UAE is noticing. It’s safe to walk here at night, leave your phone on the table in a cafe, let your children go for a walk in the yard.
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Crime rate: what's happening on the streets
Street crime in the UAE is practically non-existent. Pickpockets, robberies, attacks - this is not about Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Tourists and expats have lived here for years without encountering anything like this.
There are several reasons. Tough criminal legislation. Deportation for foreign offenders. Ubiquitous video surveillance. And a high standard of living, which reduces social tension.
Thefts are extremely rare. Theft in the UAE faces serious punishment, including prison time and deportation. This works as a deterrent.
Fraud is more common than street crime. Especially in real estate and online trading. Fictitious rental advertisements, prepayment without guarantees - the schemes are the same as everywhere else. Check developers and agents through RERA registry.
Laws that are important to know about
The UAE is a country with very low crime, but with very clear rules of conduct. Ignorance of the law does not exempt you from responsibility. This is especially true for foreigners.
What is prohibited in public:
- Drinking alcohol outside of licensed establishments and private premises
- Kisses and hugs on the street - administrative fine or arrest
- Obscene language in public places
- Obscene gestures, including towards drivers on the road
- Public criticism of government, rulers, or Islam
A separate topic is social networks. A post that seems harmless to you may be considered an insult to religion or the state. There were precedents, some ending with real deadlines.
VPN is in a gray area. Official use without permission is prohibited. In practice, most expats use a VPN without any consequences. But the risk theoretically exists - especially if the VPN is used to access blocked content.
Drugs: zero tolerance
The UAE has a zero-tolerance drug policy. This applies not only to storage and sale, but also to traces in blood or urine tests.
There have been cases when tourists were detained at the airport due to traces of substances in their bodies that were consumed before arrival. Or because of a few poppy seeds in the suitcase.
Punishment is a prison term of four years plus deportation. No suspended sentences, no administrative fines. You need to understand this before boarding the plane.
Pedophilia is also punished with maximum severity. The UAE takes child protection very seriously - zero tolerance is enshrined in law.
Real risks: what to pay attention to
The main risk for a foreigner in the UAE is not crime, but ignorance of local laws. Here's what's important to check before moving and in the first months of your life.
| Situation | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol in a public place | Fine, arrest | Drink only in licensed establishments |
| Post on social networks | Criminal liability | Don't criticize government and religion online |
| Renting a home | Fraud | Check via RERA (rera.gov.ae) |
| Driving | Fines from cameras | Obey speed limits everywhere |
| Medicines from Russia | Some are prohibited | Check the list on the website of the UAE Ministry of Health |
| Conflicts on the road | Gesture = criminal offense | Don't honk, don't gesticulate |
Separately about medications. Some drugs that are freely sold in Russia are classified as controlled substances in the UAE. For example, codeine-containing painkillers. Bring only with a prescription and an official translation.
“The UAE is a country where security is built into the system at the level of government policy. In my years of working with clients who move here, I have not heard of a single case of street robbery or assault. The only real problems our clients face is everyday ignorance of local rules. Someone drank beer on the beach outside the licensed area. Someone wrote a post criticizing local authorities. This can be resolved with one conversation before moving. That's why we always start preparing for a move with a briefing on local laws - not because the UAE is dangerous, but because it is different. And this difference has huge advantages for those who travel with family and serious intentions.”
Video surveillance and police
The UAE is one of the countries with the densest video surveillance network in the world. There are cameras on all roads, in shopping centers, residential complexes, parks and subways. On highways - every 500 meters.
The UAE police are one of the best in the region. Response to a call in Dubai is on average 4-7 minutes. Crews patrol around the clock. Working languages are Arabic and English. In tourist areas there are often officers who speak English or Russian.
It is important for foreigners to know: the police in the UAE do not accept bribes. Offering a bribe is a separate criminal offense. Don't try to resolve the issue informally.
Dubai Police operates the Dubai Police App. There you can submit an application, track the status of the case and pay fines. Transparent and convenient.
The safest areas in Dubai
There are practically no dangerous areas in Dubai in the usual sense. But some areas differ markedly in terms of comfort and occupancy.
| District | For whom | Security level |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Jumeirah | Families, investors | Maximum |
| Dubai Marina | Youth, expats | Very tall |
| Downtown Dubai | All categories | Very tall |
| Emirates Hills | Families with children | Maximum |
| Jumeirah | Families, expats | Very tall |
| Al Quoz (industrial zone) | Avoid at night | Below average at night |
| Deira (old Dubai) | Experienced Residents | Average |
Old Dubai - Deira and Bur Dubai - is different from the new areas. There are more migrant workers, denser buildings, fewer cameras on the back streets. It is not dangerous, but less comfortable for families with children.
Safety in Abu Dhabi and other emirates
Abu Dhabi is traditionally considered a little more conservative than Dubai. The level of security here is even higher. Crime Index Abu Dhabi according to Numbeo - about 12-14.
Sharjah is the most conservative emirate. Alcohol is completely prohibited here, including private parties. Penalties for violations are stricter. At the same time, the level of street safety is just as high.
Ajman and Umm al-Quwain are small emirates with very low crime. Popular among expats due to lower rental prices. The infrastructure is more modest, but the security is no worse.
Ras Al Khaimah is a rapidly developing emirate in the north. Mountains, nature, a calmer pace of life. In terms of security, it is at the level of the rest of the UAE.
Safety for women
The UAE is one of the safest countries for women in the region. Harassment on the streets is extremely rare. Women here work, drive cars, and travel alone without restrictions.
The Dubai Metro has separate carriages for women. It is not necessary to use them, but many people prefer to use them during peak hours.
Dress code. Moderate clothing is expected in malls and public places in the UAE. It is better to cover your shoulders and knees outside the beach. Regular swimsuits are acceptable on the beach. This is not a strict law, but violation may attract unnecessary attention.
Nightclubs and bars are safe and guarded. Dubai nightlife is well organized. Taxi drivers are not trying to deceive tourists - fixed tariffs and apps solve this problem.
UAE for families with children
For families with children, the UAE is an exceptional choice for safety. Children in gated communities can walk alone. Many expats cite this as their main advantage over European cities.
In closed gated communities there is security at the entrance, video surveillance, separate playgrounds. This is the standard for the middle and upper price segment.
School buses are safe and well organized. Pedophilia in the UAE is punished with the utmost severity, which creates additional protection for children.
Traffic is the only real threat. Dubai was built for cars, and the pedestrian infrastructure in some areas is weak. Teach children to cross the road only at zebra crossings.
UAE vs other countries: security comparison
| Country/City | Crime Index (Numbeo) | Street crime | Police corruption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai, UAE | ~16 | Almost none | No |
| Abu Dhabi, UAE | ~13 | Almost none | No |
| Moscow, Russia | ~40 | Low | Happens |
| London, UK | ~45 | Average | Rarely |
| Barcelona, Spain | ~50 | Pickpockets are active | Rarely |
| Istanbul, Türkiye | ~38 | Low-medium | Happens |
| Nicosia, Cyprus | ~22 | Very low | Rarely |
The UAE beats most European cities in all respects. The only countries with comparable security in Europe are the Scandinavian states and Switzerland. But the climate and cost of living are different there.
Conditions for a comfortable and safe life
The UAE creates an environment in which most security problems are resolved in advance. This is what this system consists of.
- Strict legislation with real implementation - not on paper, but in practice
- Mass video surveillance - there are practically no places outside the field of view of cameras
- Fast police response - average arrival time 4-7 minutes in cities
- High standard of living - reduces social tension
- Strict controls on the entry of migrants - offenders are deported immediately
- Zero tolerance for drugs and child abuse
For a foreigner, the main condition for a comfortable life is to know and respect local rules. Then the UAE will be safer than any European capital.
If you are considering moving to the UAE, start by applying for residency. This gives the right to residence, access to banks, medicine and schools. Read more about residence permit programs on the page UAE residence permit for investors.
We will find the right basis for residency in the UAE
We calculate the budget and timing for your family and list the documents you need.
Legal and financial environment for residents
Financial security in the UAE is a separate topic for those moving with capital or business.
The UAE introduced 5% VAT in 2018 and 9% corporate tax in 2023 for companies with profits above AED 375,000 (~$102,000) per year. There is no income tax for individuals. This remains one of the country's main advantages.
The banking system is transparent and well regulated. The UAE Central Bank strictly controls financial institutions. Crypto as a payment method is legal when used through licensed platforms.
Protection of property rights is at a high level. Land in special zones (freehold) can belong to foreigners without restrictions. The registration system is transparent through the Dubai Land Department.
Labor disputes are resolved through the Ministry of Human Resources. The system works - cases of non-payment of wages by employers are actually investigated and sanctioned.
Checklist: what to check before moving
Moving to the UAE requires preparation - not because of security risks, but because of the specific local regulations.
- Check the medications in your medicine cabinet through the official list of the UAE Ministry of Health
- Learn basic prohibitions - alcohol, public behavior, social networks
- Get a residence permit legally - this is protection and the basis for resolving everyday issues
- Register your car and exchange your license - fines from cameras are serious
- Install Dubai Police App - convenient for any calls to the police
- Check the developer or landlord through RERA before signing the contract
Read more about how to obtain residency on the page UAE residence permit. Latest safety information - at Numbeo.com.
Bottom line: safety as an argument for moving
The UAE is truly one of the safest options for moving in the world. This is not marketing - this is confirmed data from international ratings and the experience of hundreds of thousands of expats from dozens of countries.
The low crime rate here is systemic. It is ensured by strict laws, total video surveillance and fast police work. Not an accident, but the result of a deliberate policy.
The main thing to understand is that security works differently in the UAE. You are protected from thieves and hooligans. But you must follow the rules yourself, which are much stricter here. Ignorance is no excuse.
For families with children, for women, for people with capital - the UAE provides a level of protection that is difficult to find elsewhere. Want to find out if this option is right for you? Seek advice.
Frequently asked
Questions people ask before deciding
01How safe is the UAE according to world rankings?
The UAE ranks ~24th in the Global Peace Index 2024 out of 163 countries. Dubai's Crime Index according to Numbeo is about 16, which is significantly lower than most European capitals. The UAE is among the top 30 safest countries in the world.
02Is it safe to walk around Dubai at night?
Yes, Dubai is safe at night. The central areas - Downtown, Marina, JBR - are well lit, patrolled and filled with people until 2-3 am. It is better to visit industrial zones by car.
03Is it possible to drink alcohol in the UAE?
Alcohol is allowed in licensed establishments - restaurants, bars, hotels. You cannot drink in public places or on the street. Violation may result in a fine or arrest.
04How are drug offenses punished in the UAE?
Zero tolerance. For possession - prison from 4 years and deportation. This applies to any substances, including traces in analyses. Some medicines from Russia may be subject to this law - check the list before departure.
05Is the UAE safe for women?
Yes, the UAE is one of the safest countries for women in the region. Harassment is rare and punishable. Women work, drive cars, and travel alone. The metro has separate carriages for women.
06Which area of Dubai is the safest?
Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Dubai Marina, Downtown - all these areas have the maximum level of security. Gated residential complexes with security and video surveillance are the standard for the middle price segment.
07Are there dangerous areas in the UAE?
There are no dangerous areas in the usual sense. Deira and old Dubai are less comfortable at night. Al Quoz (industrial area) is best visited during the day. But there is practically no risk of attack or robbery anywhere.
08Is it possible to criticize the authorities in the UAE on social networks?
No, this is a serious risk. Public criticism of rulers, government policies or Islam may be a criminal offence. There were precedents for real prison sentences for posts on social networks.
09How does the police work in the UAE?
The UAE police are professional and fast. Average arrival time is 4-7 minutes in cities. Bribes are not accepted - this is a separate criminal offense. For inquiries there is the Dubai Police App.
10Is the UAE safe for children?
Exceptionally safe. Children in gated complexes can walk alone. Pedophilia is punished as strictly as possible. School buses are organized and safe. This is one of the main reasons families with children move.
11Do you need a VPN in the UAE?
VPN is officially approved for corporate use only. In practice, most expats use a VPN without any consequences. But officially, use without the provider's permission is in a gray area.
12How to get a residence permit in the UAE?
Legal resident status is the basis for comfortable living in the UAE. It gives access to banks, medicine and schools. Read more about investment residence permit programs on the page brgsglobal.com/residency/investment/uae/.
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