One of the main reasons why more and more people are emigrating to Dubai is the high level of security. Especially when compared directly to numerous major cities in Europe, Dubai is perceived as significantly safer, not only factually but also subjectively.
But how safe is Dubai really in everyday life, and can you really reserve a sun lounger with your luxury watch, or casually leave your MacBook at a coffee shop while you go out to make a phone call?
This article factually addresses the topic of safety in relation to crime in Dubai.
What is the crime rate in Dubai?
In terms of crime, Dubai, along with Abu Dhabi and other cities in the Emirates, is one of the safest places in the world. The latest statistics bear this out very clearly. According to the Numbeo Crime Index, Dubai ranks 1st among the safest cities in the world in terms of crime.
As can be seen from the graphic, Dubai is not only one of the safest cities in the world, but the country of the United Arab Emirates is particularly safe. After all, half of the cities in the UAE are among the TOP 10.
Why is Dubai so safe?
There are several reasons why Dubai is such a safe city and why people feel very safe there.
Primarily, this is due to the strict laws, which heavily punish even minor offences such as insults or gestures. Verbal or written insults via email or WhatsApp can lead to charges, which are taken seriously. In the worst-case scenario, the punishment is a long prison sentence in one of the desert prisons. This is definitely one of the most unpleasant experiences and deters many. Furthermore, more serious offences result in deportation and the loss of one's visa. This is, of course, a threat to the existence of many who work and live here.
Another point is the police presence or accessibility. While in European cities one often gets the impression that the police are overwhelmed, in Dubai one is surprised by how quickly the police react. Furthermore, the police have a high status and respect is a prerequisite. Insults or offensive behaviour are met with immediate arrest.
Another key point is the crime clearance rate in Dubai. As the country is highly digitalised and heavily monitored, crimes are solved quickly and reliably. Furthermore, there is no escaping across the borders, as land and air routes are strictly controlled. The borders with Oman, another GCC state, are also closely monitored. The clearance rate currently stands at just under 90%.
Experiences
In our personal experience, Dubai is extremely safe regarding crime. We have encountered numerous instances in recent years where items were forgotten and subsequently returned on the same or the next day. Classic examples like phones, wallets, and keys are usually always returned.
Attacks such as violence, robbery or burglary almost never occur, and we have personally never experienced them. The only problem is that if you live in Dubai for too long, you get used to the safety and become careless when you travel back to Europe or other regions of the world.
FAQ
Below is an overview of frequently asked questions regarding safety and crime in Dubai.
Wie sicher ist Dubai für Frauen?
Dubai is extremely safe for women and children. Assaults on women are extremely rare and are punished severely. In practice, as a woman, you will not have any problems in Dubai, even if you are out alone at night. You should only avoid certain districts such as Deira or Karama if you really want to be on the safe side.
Can you leave your MacBook in a cafe?
One shouldn't provoke it, but as a rule, there's no problem leaving your Macbook in a café for a while, for example, to make a phone call outside.
Can I leave my Rolex on the beach towel?
On tourist beaches (especially those run by beach clubs) this is generally not a problem. However, you should not do this in remote and public areas.
Summary
Dubai is an exceptionally safe city when it comes to crime and is one of the safest cities globally for tourists and expats. Current statistics confirm this, showing that safety is guaranteed through strict laws, severe penalties, and the competence of the police force. The social media experiments where people deliberately “forget” luxury items in public places can also be believed, as theft is rare in Dubai.
