Abu Dhabi world's safest city to explore at night, Dubai in third position: Study

Gulf Today

15-07-2025

Abu Dhabi tops the list as the safest city to walk alone at night, scoring 87 out of 100, according to a new global study by UK-based long-haul travel specialist Travelbag.
With its modern infrastructure, well-lit streets, and low crime rates, it provides a secure environment for both residents and visitors. The city's strong public safety measures make it ideal for confident nighttime exploration, especially around landmarks like the beautifully illuminated Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Taipei, Taiwan, ranks second with a safety score of 85 for walking alone at night. Known for its clean streets, good lighting, and low crime, the city's lively night markets and urban areas are safe for locals and tourists alike. Visitors especially enjoy Taipei 101 after dark, when the iconic tower is beautifully lit and offers stunning nighttime views.
Dubai and Kyoto tie for third place, each with a safety score of 83 for walking alone at night. Dubai offers modern infrastructure and strong security, while Kyoto is known for its low crime and peaceful streets. Both cities provide safe and welcoming environments for nighttime exploration.
New York leads as the most scenic city at night, boasting 40,800 Instagram hashtags, a safety score of 46, and 2,302 late-night venues, making it a favorite destination for night owls.
Muscat ranks number one for stargazing, with a light pollution score of 30 and a pollution index of 10.0, offering pristine desert skies and minimal artificial light.
Singapore ranks as the most scenic city in Southeast Asia, with 16,500 Instagram hashtags highlighting its vibrant and dynamic nightlife.
The survey results revealed that 93.6 percent of residents felt safe walking alone at night, reflecting the emirate's continued recognition as the world's safest city in 2025, according to global indicators. The Happiness Indicator also recorded an increase, reaching 7.74 out of 10, compared to 7.63 in the third cycle.
More than 100,000 individuals from 190 different nationalities participated in the survey, which covered 14 key social wellbeing indicators: housing, job opportunities and income, family income and wealth, work-life balance, health, education and skills, personal security and safety, social relations, civic participation and governance, environmental quality, social and cultural cohesion, social and community services, quality of life, digital happiness, and wellbeing.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Middle East and Indian Ocean at Travelbag, commented: 'Once the sun sets in Dubai, the city transforms. You can head to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for an atmospheric evening walk, then catch the Dubai Fountain show before ending your night with drinks at Cé La Vi or a rooftop dinner at Paros. It's also a lot cooler after dark, even in the summer, so it's the perfect time to explore the city.'
Google search volume data reveals that interest in nocturnal travel is on the rise. In the last three months alone, there has been a 164% increase in demand for night festivals and a 33% surge in stargazing tourism, highlighting a growing desire to explore destinations after dark.