According to Gallup’s 2024 Global Safety Report, five GCC countries — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain — rank among the top 10 safest nations in the world for walking alone at night. The report, based on interviews with over 145,000 adults across 144 countries, highlights the region’s consistently high public confidence in nighttime safety.
The data has been collated by Gallup, a global analytics and advisory company known for its public opinion polling and research on social, economic, and political issues. Founded in 1935 by George Gallup, the organisation has become a trusted source for data-driven insights, particularly through its Gallup World Poll, which surveys people in more than 140 countries on topics like well-being, safety, employment, and governance.
Global Context of Gallup's Safety Report
Gallup’s reports are widely used by governments, media, and institutions to understand public sentiment and track global trends. One of its most cited metrics is the Law and Order Index, which includes questions about how safe people feel walking alone at night, a key indicator of perceived public safety.
The latest edition of the annual Gallup Safety Report reveals that 73% of adults worldwide feel safe walking alone at night — this is the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2006. While the GCC countries lead in safety perceptions, regions such as sub-Saharan Africa continue to struggle. Nations such as South Africa, Lesotho, and Liberia were ranked amongst the least safe, with less than 35% of respondents feeling secure after dark.
Julie Ray, Gallup’s managing editor, noted that safety in the GCC is not solely about crime prevention. “It’s about trust, institutions, and collective resilience,” she said, emphasising the role of community cohesion and government investment in shaping public confidence.
GCC Dominance in Global Rankings
The Gallup Safety Report for 2024 was released in Q3 of 2025, and the data is clear: various GCC destinations, including Saudi Arabia, rank highly for perceived public safety.
Saudi Arabia placed fifth globally, following Singapore, Tajikistan, China, and Oman. The Kingdom’s high ranking reflects years of steady improvement in public safety perceptions, driven by visible law enforcement, investment in urban infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on public order. These factors have contributed to a growing sense of security among residents, with over 90% of respondents in Saudi Arabia reporting that they feel safe walking alone at night.
The UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman also secured top spots in the report, each with safety ratings exceeding 90%.
The UAE, in particular, has maintained its position as one of the safest countries globally, with its safety perception never dipping below 90% in recent years. This consistency is attributed not only to low crime rates but also to robust governance, community satisfaction, and strategic urban planning.
As the nations of the GCC continue to evolve, and the region solidifies its positioning as a global hub for tourism, business, and culture, its reputation for safety — especially at night — adds to its appeal for residents and visitors alike.
