Quick answer: Dubai is one of the safest big cities on the planet. If you want a number, most public trackers put the city’s overall crime at the “very low” end in 2025, with survey-based indices in the high-70s to 80s for safety. National homicide sits around half a person per 100,000-tiny by global standards. That said, petty theft, online scams, and financial fraud do exist, and the laws are strict. Here’s the full picture-what the figures mean, how they’re measured, and what to actually do on the ground.
Crime rate in Dubai is a statistical snapshot of reported offenses in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, typically expressed through metrics like crimes per 100,000 people, homicide rate, and survey-based safety indices.
TL;DR
- Very low violent crime; national homicide is roughly 0.4-0.6 per 100,000 (latest UN data cycles).
- Survey trackers (2025): Dubai’s crime index ~16-18, safety index ~82-84 (very safe for a global hub).
- Common risks: pickpocketing in busy spots, rental deposit disputes, online scams, and financial fraud.
- Strict laws: zero tolerance on drugs, tough penalties for drink-driving and public disorder.
- Report fast via the Dubai Police app, Smart Police Stations, or in person; documentation helps.
What “crime rate” actually measures (and what it doesn’t)
Before comparing numbers, it helps to line up the yardsticks. Different organizations measure crime differently. Some rely on police data, others on surveys, and each carries blind spots.
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, population ~3.6-3.7 million, known for tourism, trade, and high expatriate share.
United Arab Emirates is a federal country in the Gulf region; national crime and justice statistics provide a baseline for emirates like Dubai.
- Police-reported crime: Solid for serious offenses but can miss underreported categories like minor fraud.
- Homicide rate: The most comparable metric globally because it’s rarely hidden; measured as deaths per 100,000 people.
- Survey-based indices: Capture how safe people feel, which matters for daily life, but they’re not the same as police records.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a UN agency that compiles comparable crime metrics across countries, including homicide rates and criminal justice indicators.
Numbeo is a crowdsourced cost-of-living and safety database producing a city-level Crime Index and Safety Index.
Gallup Law and Order Index is a global survey score (0-100) that gauges everyday safety and trust in police.
Global Peace Index is a country-level composite from the Institute for Economics and Peace measuring safety, conflict, and militarization.
Semantic snapshot: Dubai Police enforce local law; UNODC tracks homicides; Numbeo crowdsources safety sentiment; Gallup surveys how safe people feel walking alone; the Global Peace Index places UAE among safer countries in its region. Put together, these paint a consistent picture of “very safe city, strict legal environment.”
Current picture: the numbers for 2025
On the ground in 2025, independent trackers and official signals align. Dubai’s city-level Crime Index sits around 16-18 and its Safety Index around 82-84, based on mid-year snapshots from public survey platforms. In plain English, that’s “very low” crime compared with major world hubs.
For a harder anchor, use the homicide rate. The UAE’s intentional homicide rate typically lands near 0.4-0.6 per 100,000 people in recent UNODC cycles. By comparison, England and Wales hover near ~1.1, Singapore often ~0.2-0.3, and the United States ~6 per 100,000 (with big city variation). A low homicide rate doesn’t prove every category is low, but it’s a strong indicator that serious, random violence is rare.
Dubai Police is a law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Dubai, known for rapid response times, widespread CCTV integration, AI-enabled monitoring, and digital reporting channels.
Dubai Police report steady reductions in serious crime categories over the last several years, along with high case-resolution rates for priority offenses. The city expanded “always-open” reporting options-useful for tourists and residents who need quick help and documentation.
Smart Police Station (SPS) is a an unmanned Dubai Police facility offering 24/7 services such as filing reports and obtaining certificates without human staff.
If you care about how safe a place feels late at night, city surveys consistently rank Dubai in the “very safe to walk alone” bracket. Women frequently report feeling comfortable using public transport and ride-hailing after dark-something not universally true in global megacities.
What crimes actually happen-and where you’ll notice risk
Low crime doesn’t mean zero crime. Here’s what locals and visitors actually run into, and where.
- Pickpocketing and bag theft: Happens in crowded tourist spots and busy malls, usually opportunistic rather than violent.
- Phone and card scams: Phishing texts, QR codes, fake delivery notices, and social media marketplace fraud. The city’s digital life is rich, so scammers follow the attention.
- Rental and deposit disputes: Especially with short-term rentals and car hire. Not always a criminal matter, but it can feel like one when money gets stuck.
- Financial fraud: Credit card skimming is rare but possible; the bigger trend is online fraud and investment schemes.
- Public disorder and drink-driving: Rare, but penalties are strict. If alcohol is involved, expect a legal process, not a warning.
- Drug offenses: Zero tolerance, including small amounts and residue. Transit passengers have been caught out by trace quantities.
This cluster of risks is typical for a wealthy, highly connected city with strict laws-petty theft exists, cybercrime grows, and financial disputes are common friction points. Violent stranger-on-stranger incidents are very rare.
Why Dubai is so safe (the structural reasons)
Dubai’s low crime rate isn’t an accident; it’s the system.
- High policing capacity: Visible patrols, fast response, and real-time coordination across malls, metro, and tourist areas.
- Citywide surveillance: Tens of thousands of CCTV feeds, license-plate readers, and AI-assisted monitoring deterring opportunistic crime.
- Strict legal consequences: Quick prosecution and strong sentencing reduce repeat offending and deter edge cases.
- Migrant-heavy workforce: Residency is tied to employment, so people have strong incentives to avoid conflict with the law.
- Urban design choices: Lighting, late-night retail, high footfall, and strong private security presence in residential and commercial developments.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is a intergovernmental body that sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.
On financial crime, the UAE made notable reforms and increased enforcement. After a period of enhanced monitoring, the country moved off FATF’s watchlist in 2024, signaling stronger controls and coordination. That affects Dubai’s risk profile for fraud, money laundering, and corporate compliance.
How Dubai compares with other global cities
To make the numbers real, here’s a side-by-side snapshot using public indices and the latest broadly referenced figures. Remember: survey indices vary month to month; homicide rates lag by a year or two but are the best hard anchor.
| City | Crime Index (2025) | Safety Index (2025) | Homicide rate (per 100k) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | ~16-18 | ~82-84 | ~0.4-0.6 (UAE) | Very low street crime; strict enforcement; strong CCTV |
| Abu Dhabi | ~12-15 | ~85-88 | ~0.4-0.6 (UAE) | Regularly ranks top for perceived safety |
| Singapore | ~22-26 | ~74-78 | ~0.2-0.3 | Ultra-low violent crime; cyber and fraud rising |
| London | ~54-60 | ~40-46 | ~1.1 (England & Wales) | Large-city mix; local variation by borough |
| New York City | ~47-50 | ~50-53 | ~5.0 (city-level, 2023) | Data improving since 1990s; category swings year to year |
What this table shows: Dubai and Abu Dhabi live at the “ultra-safe” end of big-city life. Singapore shares the same vibe. London and New York are still great world cities, but with the expected big-city risk mix, especially for property crime and certain violent categories.
The neighborhoods tourists actually see
Most visitors bounce between the airport, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, JBR, Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, and older districts like Deira and Bur Dubai. Each area has its own rhythm, but the safety profile is similar: busy, well-lit, monitored, and patrolled.
Common-sense tips still apply. Keep bags zipped and in front in crowded malls; watch phones at café tables; use official taxis or ride-hailing apps; confirm the identity of any “delivery” contact; photograph rental cars and note pre-existing damage; and avoid sharing personal documents over unsecured messaging.
What travel advisories and surveys say
Official travel advisories from major governments consistently describe the UAE as a low-crime destination but flag strict local laws and the regional security context. In practice, that means you’re unlikely to face street crime, but you should be careful with alcohol rules, photos of others without consent, public conduct, and medications that require documentation.
Survey-based snapshots line up with this. The Gallup Law and Order Index often places the UAE in the low-90s out of 100-meaning people there report feeling safe day to day and trust the police to handle issues. City-level platforms keep ranking Dubai among the safest large metros worldwide.
Practical safety playbook (works for residents and visitors)
- Money and cards: Use contactless and official apps; enable transaction alerts; keep a backup card separate from your main wallet.
- Phones and bags: In crowds, bag in front, phone in a zipped pocket; don’t leave valuables on open café tables.
- Transport: Stick to official taxis or known ride-hailing apps; confirm plate matches the app; don’t get into unsolicited cars.
- Scams: Be wary of QR codes, “urgent” payment requests, and too-good-to-be-true rentals. Verify on the platform; never pay deposits off-platform.
- Alcohol: Only drink where it’s licensed; know your limit; avoid public intoxication; sort a safe ride before you start.
- Drugs: Don’t. Laws are strict, including for residue. Even CBD products can trigger issues.
- Documents: Keep a digital copy of your passport and visa page; mask sensitive numbers if you share with landlords or agencies.
- Kids and families: Malls and beaches are extremely family-friendly; still label a kid’s wristband or bag with a contact method.
How to report a crime or get help
If something happens, speed and documentation matter. File a report quickly-this helps with insurance and increases the odds of recovery. Dubai offers several routes: walk into a police station, use the Dubai Police mobile app, or head to a Smart Police Station if you prefer self-service. For cyber issues, the city runs an e-crime portal where you can submit screenshots and transaction details.
What to prepare: a clear timeline, photos or videos, device identifiers (IMEI), transaction screenshots, and contact details for witnesses. If you’re a visitor, carry your passport or a certified copy; if you’re a resident, your Emirates ID may be requested. Keep reference numbers from every interaction.
The laws that surprise newcomers
Dubai is safe partly because the rules are tight. A few that often catch people out:
- Public intoxication and disorder: Can lead to arrest and fines.
- Photography: Avoid photographing people without consent, especially families, and don’t photograph critical infrastructure.
- Social media: Defamation, harassment, or sharing someone’s image without permission can be treated seriously.
- Medications: Some prescription drugs need documentation; always travel with scripts and the original packaging.
- Cheques and debt: Bounced cheques can carry legal consequences. Keep clear records and verify payment terms.
Related concepts if you want to go deeper
City safety sits at the intersection of policing, law, design, and digital risk. If you’re mapping the broader picture, these are the useful adjacent topics:
- Urban surveillance and privacy in high-security cities
- Cybercrime trends in wealthy tourist hubs
- Tourism safety vs. resident safety: where the overlaps are
- How anti-money laundering reforms shape local business risk
- Regional geopolitics and how advisories assess non-crime risks
Key entity snapshots (for clarity and sourcing)
These are the reference points analysts and journalists use when they compare cities.
Institute for Economics and Peace is a research organization publishing the Global Peace Index, often cited for cross-country safety comparison.
Primary signals you’ll see in safety write-ups: UNODC homicide rates (most comparable), Gallup’s safety score (how people feel), city-level survey indices (how people rate their neighborhoods), and national reforms that target fraud and financial crimes (FATF monitoring outcomes). Major government advisories (UK, US, EU, Australia) are also good sanity checks-they’re conservative by design.
Does the “very safe” label match lived experience?
Yes, with the usual caveats. You’ll see women walking alone at night, joggers out late, families in parks after dark, and shops open late without drama. Ride-hailing and the metro feel routine and boring-in the best way. The crimes people talk about most are not muggings, but the annoying modern stuff: phishing, rental hiccups, and the odd bag left on a chair in a busy café that disappears in 60 seconds.
It’s also fair to say Dubai’s system is rules-heavy. If your idea of safety requires looser rules, the fit may feel tight. If your priority is low risk of random violence, predictable policing, and smooth city services, Dubai scores high.
Bottom line
The crime rate in Dubai is very low for a global city. Independent indices back that up, the homicide anchor is tiny by world standards, and everyday life reflects it. You still lock your door and watch your phone-the usual adulting-but the baseline odds are in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai safe to walk around at night?
Yes. Survey data consistently places Dubai in the “very safe to walk alone at night” bracket. Busy areas like Downtown, Marina, JBR, and Jumeirah have lighting, CCTV, and private security on top of regular policing. Use normal city smarts-stick to lit streets and licensed transport.
What is the homicide rate in Dubai?
Dubai doesn’t publish a standalone homicide rate as frequently as national bodies, but the UAE’s intentional homicide rate typically falls around 0.4-0.6 per 100,000 in recent UNODC cycles. That’s extremely low by global standards and reflects the city’s low violent crime risk.
Which crimes are most common for tourists?
Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag theft) in crowded places, online scams (fake listings, phishing), and occasional rental deposit disputes. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Keep valuables close, pay deposits on-platform, and confirm identities for deliveries and services.
How does Dubai compare to Abu Dhabi and Singapore?
All three sit at the safe end of global rankings. Abu Dhabi often takes the top spot on city safety indices; Dubai tracks close behind. Singapore’s violent crime is also very low, with some categories of cyber and financial fraud rising. For day-to-day safety, they feel similar: orderly, well-policed, and predictable.
Are the laws in Dubai strict?
Yes. That’s part of why the city is safe. Expect zero tolerance for drugs (including small amounts), penalties for public intoxication and disorder, and rules around photography and social media conduct. When in doubt, err on the cautious side and read local guidance before you go.
How do I report a crime in Dubai?
Use the Dubai Police mobile app, visit a Smart Police Station for 24/7 service, or go to a staffed station. For cybercrime, there’s an e-crime portal. Bring or upload evidence (photos, receipts, timestamps, device IDs) and keep the case reference number.
What do official sources say about crime levels?
UNODC data shows very low homicide nationally. The Gallup Law and Order Index typically scores the UAE in the 90s out of 100. Major government advisories describe crime as low but note strict laws and a conservative approach to public behavior and media.
Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, by global big-city standards. Public transport, malls, and major districts are well-lit, monitored, and busy late. Dress modestly for cultural comfort, use licensed transport, and follow the same common-sense precautions you’d use in other top-tier cities.
Has financial crime oversight improved in the UAE?
Yes. The UAE stepped up anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, improving supervision and enforcement. In 2024, FATF acknowledged progress by removing the country from increased monitoring, which supports Dubai’s long-term risk profile for business and finance.
Oyoon is a Dubai-wide smart surveillance program integrating public and private CCTV feeds to support policing and incident response.
Sources to check if you want to validate or go deeper: Dubai Police annual updates, UNODC’s Global Study on Homicide and data portal, Gallup’s Law and Order Index summaries, Institute for Economics and Peace reports, and major government travel advisories (UK FCDO, US State Department, EU guidance). They don’t always use the same methods, but they converge on the same headline: Dubai ranks as one of the safest big cities you can visit or live in.
Dubai Escort