These Crime Statistics in Dubai Were Pretty Impressive

I’ve lived in Dubai for many years and I would bet that no other city in the world is safer. Where else can you leave your phone, bag, car keys or wallet and still find it in the same spot even hours after? Yes, only in Dubai!

The city has been ranked the third safest city in the Gulf with an 83.9 safety rate and only a 16.09 crime index.

Need more proof? Here are some of the top crime statistics that you should know about.

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Dubai Has a Very Low Crime Rate

Dubai only has a 12.28 crime rate, which is considered to be one of the lowest in the UAE. The city also has also seen such a minute increase in its crime rates over the last five years.

This is a testament to how safe Dubai is and how its authorities are implementing the best strategies in maintaining peace and order in the city.

According to data by the Dubai Police, these are the major crimes in Dubai and how they’ve changed over the course of five years:

Major Crime	2017	2023
Willful Murder	0.3	0.2
Aggravated Assault	1.2	1.7
Rape	0.2	0.3
Robbery	2.1	1.5
Theft	12.6	6.5
Abduction	0.1	0.6
Grand Auto Theft	1.7	1.3
Burglary	3.9	4.6
Drugs	14.3	7.6
Human Trafficking	0.1	0.1

There was a significant reduction in crime rates in Dubai over a six-year period. In 2017, the city had a 36.4 crime rate while it only had a 24.6 crime rate in 2023.

A research study conducted by Numbeo also dissects Dubai’s crime rates further showing the rate at which Dubai residents worry about experiencing common crimes.

For instance, people don’t really worry much about being assaulted because of their gender, skin colour, religion or ethnicity.

Believe me, you won’t even worry about going out alone in Dubai because it’s a very safe city. This is proven in Dubai’s 91.26 safety index rate for people walking during the day and 83.24 safety index rate for people walking at night time.

Reasons for Dubai’s Very Low Crime Rate

So why exactly does Dubai have a very low crime rate? What is this city doing differently that it’s such a safe place to live in as compared to major cities around the world?

According to research, these are just some of the factors that contribute to Dubai’s impressively low crime rate:

Dubai has very strict laws.

The people who live in Dubai know that the law is above anyone else in this city. Its strong legal framework shows no mercy against offenders and the Dubai Police implements these rules strictly.

This is why residents are always careful in their act to make sure that they don’t break any laws that could put them in prison.

Dubai has a strong police presence.

The Dubai Police may be known around the world for its supercars, but believe me, these authorities mean business when it comes to upholding the law.

In fact, you’ll see a strong police presence everywhere and the thought of a Lamborghini Aventador chasing you will surely make you think twice about committing a crime here.

Dubai has high-tech surveillance.

The city has some of the most advanced surveillance technologies in the world so that no crime is left unseen.

You’ll see a lot of CCTV cameras around the city that help to monitor peace and make it easier to identify and catch perpetrators.

Dubai has very responsible residents.

Living in Dubai gives you a certain lifestyle that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, and residents here know that they’re lucky enough to enjoy this life.

So, whether expats or locals, residents are very involved in helping to prevent crime and promoting safety in their own neighborhoods.

Dubai has a very stable economy.

In most cases, people commit crimes out of desperation for money due to poverty. But Dubai has a very stable economy with zero income tax, which is why it also has a very low poverty rate.

The city also offers a lot of opportunities for work and business, which is why people are not desperate to commit crimes just to earn money.

The Different Safety Measures When in Dubai

While Dubai is a very safe city to be in, it’s still very important to learn these safety measures to ensure your security while you’re in the city:

Use only accredited modes of transport.

Dubai has one of the most diverse transportation systems in the Middle East with the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Dubai Bus and even the Dubai Water Taxi as some of your options.

These modes of transportation are considered the safest because they’re accredited by the government. But if you opt to take a taxi, make sure that you’re only riding official taxis or vehicles from ride sharing companies such as Uber and Careem.

Save important emergency numbers.

You’ll never know when you need to call the police or health services. So make sure that you have your local emergency numbers saved on your phone just in case you need them.

You can also dial 997 for civil defense or the fire department, 998 for an ambulance and 999 for the police.

Don’t go to unfamiliar places alone.

Whether you’re a local or tourist, make sure to only visit places around Dubai that you’re familiar with. If you’re visiting a neighborhood for the first time, it’s best to have someone with you for added safety.

While it’s safe walking at night around Dubai, it’s also best to walk only in well-lit areas and avoid places with very few people.

If you’re a tourist, opt for a licensed tour operator rather than exploring the city on your own, especially if it’s your first time visiting Dubai.