Safety is no longer just a checklist item for young travellers. It is often the deciding factor. In 2026, Gen Z travellers have made their choice clear. The United Arab Emirates has been ranked the safest country in the world for Gen Z, according to the latest World’s Safest Countries report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
The ranking places the UAE ahead of countries long considered global safety benchmarks, including Canada, Japan, and several European destinations. For a region often judged through outdated assumptions, this recognition carries weight. It reflects how travellers actually feel on the ground, not just what reports or headlines suggest.
For Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular, the result feels familiar. Residents and frequent visitors often describe safety as something they notice daily, not something they have to think about.
What the Report Looked At?
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been studying travel safety trends since 2018. Unlike traditional rankings that rely heavily on crime data, this report focuses on traveller experience.
For the 2026 edition, responses were broken down by age group, income, and risk perception. Gen Z travellers were asked how safe they felt in real situations. Walking alone. Using public transport. Staying out late. Navigating new areas without help.
The UAE didn’t just perform well. It led the list.
The country also made a strong jump in overall global safety rankings, moving from 18th place to 7th. That puts it ahead of destinations like Switzerland, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, and the UK. It was also the only country from the Gulf and the wider Middle East to enter the global top tier.
and why Gen Z Feels Secure in the UAE
For Gen Z, safety is about consistency. They value places where rules are clear, systems work, and surprises are rare. This is where the UAE stands out.
Strong law enforcement, visible policing, and well-managed public spaces play a big role. In Dubai, it is normal to see people walking around late at night, using the Metro, or booking ride-hailing services without concern. These everyday moments shape how safe a city feels.
Gen Z travellers also tend to move independently. Many travel solo, work remotely, or stay for longer periods. The UAE’s organised infrastructure, digital services, and reliable transport make navigating cities straightforward.
There is also trust in how things are handled. From airport security to emergency services, the process feels structured. For younger travellers, that sense of order often feels reassuring rather than restrictive.
City-Level Safety Sets the UAE Apart
One of the strongest reasons behind the UAE’s top ranking is its cities. On global crime and safety indexes, several UAE cities consistently rank among the safest in the world.
Abu Dhabi regularly holds the title of the world’s safest city. Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah also feature high on safety lists. Low crime rates, fast police response, and strict public order laws create a calm environment that visitors notice quickly.
For Gen Z travellers, this shows up in simple ways. Walking back from an event in Downtown Dubai. Exploring JBR at night. Using public transport without worrying about safety. These experiences matter more than statistics.
This city-level confidence is one of the reasons the UAE continues to attract young travellers for concerts, festivals, shopping seasons, and short getaways.
Top 10 Safest Countries for Gen Z in 2026
According to the report, Gen Z ranked the safest countries as follows:
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
- Denmark
- South Korea
- Netherlands
- Ireland
- France
- Mexico
- Austria
- Japan
What stands out is the UAE’s clear lead. It reflects how travel expectations are shifting. Safety today is not just about low crime. It is about how protected people feel while living their daily routine in a new place.
Safety Measured by Experience, Not Perception
One key reason this ranking matters is how it was measured. The report focused on how travellers felt, not how destinations are often portrayed.
Gen Z respondents consistently rated the UAE higher than older age groups. That gap highlights a generational shift. Younger travellers rely less on old narratives and more on real-world experience.
Women travellers, travellers of colour, and LGBTQIA+ visitors also rated the UAE highly in terms of feeling secure. While cultural norms are different, the predictability of public behaviour and law enforcement often creates a stronger sense of safety.
This perspective aligns with what many Dubai residents say. Life here feels controlled, organised, and calm. For Gen Z, that balance matters.
Respecting Local Laws Is Part of the Experience
While the UAE offers high levels of safety, it also expects visitors to respect local laws and customs. Rules around drugs, public behaviour, and cultural sensitivity are strictly enforced.
Gen Z travellers are generally aware of this. Many see structure as a positive. Clear boundaries remove uncertainty and reduce risk. Knowing what is acceptable helps visitors avoid trouble and enjoy their stay with confidence.
This balance between freedom and regulation is one of the reasons the UAE continues to score high on safety across different traveller groups.
A New Standard for Safe Travel
As Gen Z reshapes global tourism, safety has moved ahead of cost and novelty. The UAE’s top ranking shows how much travel priorities have changed.
For Dubai and the wider UAE, this recognition strengthens its position as a destination that offers more than luxury and landmarks. It offers peace of mind.
From late-night food runs to solo sightseeing, the sense of safety is built into daily life. That is what Gen Z travellers are responding to.
The UAE being named the world’s safest country for Gen Z travellers in 2026 reflects years of investment in security, infrastructure, and clear systems that work on the ground.
For young travellers planning their next trip, the message is simple. The UAE offers confidence, consistency, and comfort, without compromising on experience.
Read More: UAE Ranks Among World’s Safest Countries for Traffic Safety
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