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UAE Ranks Among The World’s Safest Countries – Here’s Why

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 26, 2025

The UAE has once again secured its place as one of the safest nations on the planet. In Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index, the country ranked second globally, trailing only Andorra. The latest data also highlights the dominance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in safety rankings, with Qatar taking third place and Oman securing fifth, just behind Taiwan. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also made the top 20, coming in at 14th and 16th, respectively.

This strong showing isn’t just about perception. On Numbeo’s Crime Index, which measures crime rates worldwide, the UAE also ranked as the second least crime-ridden country. The numbers reinforce what residents and visitors alike have long known—the UAE is one of the safest places to live, work, and travel.

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What Makes The UAE So Safe?

The UAE’s high safety ranking isn’t a coincidence—it’s the result of a multi-layered approach to security. The country enforces strict laws on crime, drug use, and public behavior, with severe penalties acting as a powerful deterrent. Law enforcement is both highly trained and well-equipped, ensuring rapid response times and visible policing in key areas.

Technology also plays a critical role. Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are blanketed with surveillance systems, while artificial intelligence and smart policing initiatives help authorities prevent and quickly resolve incidents.

Beyond policing, economic stability contributes to lower crime rates. With a high standard of living, strong social welfare policies, and ample job opportunities, fewer economic pressures typically drive crime elsewhere. The result? A society where both residents and tourists feel secure, even at night.

Women and children, in particular, benefit from the UAE’s emphasis on public safety. Well-lit streets, frequent patrols, and strict anti-harassment laws create an environment where personal security is the norm, not the exception.

The 20 Safest Countries In 2025

According to Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index, these are the 20 safest countries in the world:

Andorra – 84.7
UAE – 84.5
Qatar – 84.2
Taiwan – 82.9
Oman – 81.7
Isle of Man – 79.0
Hong Kong (China) – 78.5
Armenia – 77.9
Singapore – 77.4
Japan – 77.1
Monaco – 76.7
Estonia – 76.3
Slovenia – 76.2
Saudi Arabia – 76.1
China – 76.0
Bahrain – 75.5
South Korea – 75.1
Croatia – 74.5
Iceland – 74.3
Denmark – 74.0

Where Safety Remains A Challenge

Numbeo’s 2025 report assessed 147 countries, and while some nations topped the safety charts, others struggled. The least safe countries this year include:

Venezuela (147th)
Papua New Guinea (146th)
Haiti (145th)
Afghanistan (144th)
South Africa (143rd)

Crime, political instability, and economic challenges continue to impact safety rankings in these regions.

Beyond Safety: The UAE’s Quality Of Life Ranking

While safety is a key metric, it’s not the only factor that determines a country’s appeal. Numbeo also evaluates quality of life, where the UAE secured the 20th spot globally. Notably, Oman ranked 4th, following Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark, while Qatar took 9th place. Saudi Arabia also made the list, ranking 21st.

As the UAE continues to invest in cutting-edge security, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements, it’s clear that the country isn’t just a leader in safety—it’s shaping the future of urban living.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Extended Measures Secure 5% Vat Incentives For Residential Developments

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 20, 2026

New Legislative Extension Addresses Permit Delays

Cyprus authorities have extended the transitional framework allowing a reduced 5% VAT rate on the purchase or construction of a primary residence. The measure enables homeowners and developers to continue benefiting from the lower rate, subject to approval by the Tax Office, until the end of 2026.

Parliament Acts To Mitigate Administrative Setbacks

The decision was approved on Thursday, with Parliament granting a 6.5-month extension in response to delays by local planning authorities in issuing building permits. The vote passed with 24 in favor and 15 against, with opposition coming from the AKEL faction.

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Originally introduced three years ago, the transitional scheme applied to applications submitted between June 2023 and October 31, regardless of project completion timelines. The previous deadline had been set for late June 2026, making the extension critical for pending cases.

Extended Application Period And Key Provisions

Under the revised framework, the Tax Office now has until December 31, 2026, to process applications. This adjustment reflects administrative bottlenecks that slowed earlier reviews. Eligible applicants retain access to the 5% VAT rate on the first 200 square meters of a primary residence, regardless of the total property size.

Earlier rules applied stricter thresholds. The reduced VAT covered only the first 130 square meters for properties valued up to €350,000. For homes between 131 and 190 square meters with a value cap of €475,000, a mixed rate is applied, combining 5% and 19% VAT.

Reactions From Political Leaders

Christiana Erotokritou, Chair of the Economic Committee and DIKO member, stated that delays in permit issuance made the extension necessary. According to her, the measure prevents additional costs from being passed on to buyers.

Stavros Papadouris from the Ecologists faction noted that the European Union had already approved the transitional framework in 2023. He highlighted that many applications were submitted on time but remained unprocessed due to administrative delays.

George Loukaidis, representing AKEL, acknowledged the rationale behind the extension while reiterating concerns about potential misuse. His position reflects broader opposition to allowing low-quality developments to benefit from favorable tax treatment.

Outlook

The extension addresses regulatory delays while preserving access to reduced VAT rates for eligible applicants. This outcome provides temporary relief to both developers and homebuyers as authorities work through existing backlogs.