In 2026, safety perceptions significantly shape the world’s livability landscape. According to a recent international report by Numbeo, the rankings of the world’s safest and least safe cities highlight ongoing trends in urban security and quality of life. This article explores the rankings of the safest and least safe cities in the world for 2026, offering insights into which cities have emerged as havens and which have become concerning for their residents.
Top Cities for Safety in 2026
According to the Numbeo report, Abu Dhabi retains its title as the safest city in the world for living in 2026. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has held this prominent position since 2017, underscoring its commitment to security and quality of life. This consistent top ranking illustrates Abu Dhabi’s role as a global leader in establishing a secure and stable environment for residents and expats alike.
Ajumaan follows closely, securing the second position, while Ras Al Khaimah ranks third. Doha continues to impress, coming in fourth, with Sharjah and Dubai completing the list of the top six safest cities. The list reflects a regional trend toward heightened safety in the UAE, demonstrating the effectiveness of their governance regarding public security.
Here is the complete list of the ten safest cities in the world for 2026 according to the Numbeo safety index:
| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 89.0 |
| 2 | Ajumaan, UAE | 86.6 |
| 3 | Ras Al Khaimah, UAE | 86.5 |
| 4 | Doha, Qatar | 84.6 |
| 5 | Sharjah, UAE | 84.5 |
| 6 | Dubai, UAE | 83.9 |
| 7 | Taipei, Taiwan | 83.3 |
| 8 | Muscat, Oman | 81.3 |
| 9 | The Hague, Netherlands | 80.1 |
| 10 | Tampere, Finland | 79.6 |
Most Dangerous Cities in 2026
Conversely, the Numbeo report also identifies cities that are considered the least safe for living in 2026. These locations have ranked at the bottom of the safety index, reflecting severe safety challenges for their inhabitants.
The cities deemed most dangerous include Salvador in Brazil, which ranks at the bottom with a safety index of 23.5. Following closely are Memphis, Tennessee, and Port Elizabeth in South Africa, which score 21.5 and 21.4, respectively. The data suggests a significant disparity in safety and security among urban areas globally, raising concerns about crime and public safety in these regions.
Here is a list of the ten least safe cities in the world according to the 2026 safety index:
| Rank | City | Safety Index |
|---|---|---|
| 391 | Salvador, Brazil | 23.5 |
| 392 | Memphis, Tennessee, USA | 21.5 |
| 393 | Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 21.4 |
| 394 | San Pedro Sula, Honduras | 20.5 |
| 395 | Durban, South Africa | 19.6 |
| 396 | Johannesburg, South Africa | 19.2 |
| 397 | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | 18.7 |
| 398 | Caracas, Venezuela | 18.6 |
| 399 | Bloemfontein, South Africa | 18.2 |
| 400 | Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | 17.2 |
For those interested in exploring the comprehensive rankings of cities around the world according to the 2026 safety index, additional details are readily available through Numbeo’s extensive database.