Top 6 Safest Middle Eastern Countries: Where to Find Low Crime, Peace and Security

When looking for the safest Middle Eastern countries to relocate or travel to, you should know that the Middle East is a region filled with complex contradictions. While many Middle Eastern countries offer a comfortable lifestyle, others unfortunately remain among the most dangerous countries due to ongoing conflict and political instability.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at the factors that the Global Peace Index uses to rank the best places to live in the Middle East, particularly when it comes to safety factors such as low crime rates, social stability, and effective law enforcement. We’ll also dive into the top 6 safest Middle Eastern countries from the most recent ranking:

• What makes a country safe?
• Top 6 Safest Middle Eastern Countries
• Frequently Asked Questions

Safety is about more than just low crime rates. It’s a combination of factors but overall countries in the Middle East with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and modern infrastructure often stand out as the safest countries in the region.

The Global Peace Index (GPI), one of the most comprehensive measures of peacefulness worldwide, evaluates countries across 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three main categories:

• Ongoing domestic and international conflict
• Societal safety and security
• Militarization

These categories encompass a wide range of factors that contribute to a country’s safety profile. Here are the key criteria that is considered when assessing the safest Middle Eastern countries:

• Crime rates and petty crime: Day-to-day safety includes low rates of theft, burglary, and violent crime (such as assault and murder). The GPI considers the impact of crime on overall societal stability and public confidence.
• Terrorism and political stability: Countries with minimal risk of terrorism, civil unrest, or sudden political upheaval rank higher for safety.
• Road safety and infrastructure: Solid infrastructure means reliable transportation networks, modern roads, and strong enforcement of traffic laws. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in accidents and injuries.
• Women’s safety: This looks at whether the well-being of women is taken into consideration. This not only refers to being protected from physical harm but also being supported by clear laws and a female-friendly society.
• Safety for Americans, LGBT travelers, and families: Safe countries are also nations where foreigners and marginalized groups are protected by the legal system and there are low incidences of targeted or hate crime and discrimination.
• Emergency services and healthcare: Should anything go wrong when it comes to safety and security, it’s important that the country has the ability to provide easy access to responsive police, fire services, and high-quality medical care. Countries with advanced healthcare infrastructure are typically rated higher in overall safety.

Qatar has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the Zubarah Town ruins that has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consistently ranks at the top of the safest Middle Eastern countries, sitting at number 27 worldwide. This is thanks to low crime rates, high political stability, and minimal conflict internally.

The country’s Numbeo Crime Index is around 13.9, which is considered very low in comparison to global standards. Homicide rates are close to zero, and it’s extremely rare to encounter violent crimes.

Laws are strictly enforced, and it employs various advanced surveillance systems (which started in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup), which shows a strong emphasis on maintaining public safety. Overall, this contributes to an environment where residents and visitors feel secure.

Qatar already has modern infrastructure but is investing over $85 billion in projects to upgrade transportation, urban development, and public works even further. The country has highly responsive emergency services, and clear legal protections, particularly for families.

As a wealthy country with a thriving economy, Qatar is not only among the safest countries in the Middle East but also an attractive destination for skilled professionals seeking tax free income and exciting opportunities.

Within the Middle East, Kuwait has earned a reputation for being one of the most stable, boasting relative safety within the region. The country maintains a low Crime Index of approximately 24.2 and benefits from a high-income economy, modern infrastructure, and efficient public services.

While Kuwait has a higher degree of militarization compared to some neighbors, a factor that negatively impacts its overall Global Peace Index ranking, it still scores strongly when it comes to societal safety indicators.

Violent crime is rare, and it is uncommon for foreigners to experience safety-related incidents. Petty crime does occur from time to time, but overall crime rates are significantly below many global averages. Only 1% of Kuwaitis reported feeling afraid of walking alone in their neighborhood or city at night.

For expats and families who are willing to respect conservative cultural norms, Kuwait offers a secure and comfortable living environment.

With a high dependence on oil and gas, Oman is renowned for its warm hospitality, peaceful society, and low crime. It consistently ranks as one of the most peaceful Arab countries on the Global Peace Index and maintains a very low Crime Index of about 19.7.

The homicide rate is extremely low (approximately 0.24334 per 100,000 people), reflecting a culture that values respect and social harmony. Oman’s well-developed road networks, modern hospitals, and responsive emergency services enhance the sense of security for locals and visitors alike.

Combined, these factors make Oman a top choice for solo travelers, retirees, and families looking for a safe place to live or explore in the Middle East. Oman offers a comfortable lifestyle and a vibrant cultural scene, and its oil and gas industry remains central to its economy. For many, it is one of the best Middle East countries in which to enjoy a rich history and stunning natural landscapes.

Home to the world’s tallest building, the iconic Burj Khalifa, the UAE is frequently cited as one of the safest and most modern Middle East countries. With a Crime Index around 15.0, it boasts remarkably low rates of violent crime and an almost insignificant homicide rate.

The country’s strong performance on the Global Peace Index is mainly because of high societal safety and internal stability, although its strategic defense posture contributes to higher militarization scores.

Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi benefit from advanced security systems, maintaining a high visibility of law enforcement and a strong police presence in public areas, contributing to a sense of overall safety and security.

Research from the Global Citizen Solutions Intelligence Unit’s Global RCBI Report highlights the UAE’s strong appeal among international investors and professionals precisely because of its consistent safety and economic stability.

The UAE Golden Visa has further enhanced this reputation, offering 5- and 10-year residency to those who value security and modern infrastructure, making the UAE one of the safest and most attractive places to live in the Middle East.

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Jordan is most well-known for the ancient city of Petra, a series of tunnels, caves, pathways, and intricate artwork carved into a canyon as well as the famous Dead Sea on its borders.

Despite neighboring countries experiencing civil war and political instability, Jordan has maintained a strong sense of safety, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking a rich cultural heritage and the wonders of the Dead Sea.

Jordan’s Numbeo Crime Index is approximately 45.0, which is moderate overall; most incidents involve petty theft rather than violent crime. A visible security presence, especially around popular tourist areas, helps maintain stability.

Jordan’s welcoming culture, dependable emergency services, and positive diplomatic ties with prominent Western nations all contribute to making it one of the safest and most rewarding destinations in the Levant for travelers and expats alike.

Bahrain, a small island nation in the Gulf, is known for its oil wealth, ancient Dilmun civilization, and thriving pearl diving heritage. It offers a blend of modern and traditional infrastructure, established expat communities, and a generally safe living environment.

The Crime Index here is around 36.0, considered low to moderate, with violent crime remaining rare. Although Bahrain has experienced occasional political tensions in recent years, it is overall a peaceful society with effective policing and reliable public services.

The Global Peace Index reflects this balance, highlighting the country’s social stability and commitment to public safety. For professionals and families, Bahrain provides a secure, well-connected base in the Gulf, with the added benefit of a compact size that makes day-to-day life especially convenient.

Bahrain’s strategic location in the Arabian Peninsula and its blend of modern cities and religious sites have helped it become an attractive destination and one of the safest Gulf countries to relocate to.

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