Safest Middle Eastern Countries: 2026 Peace Index and Travel Context 

The six safest Middle Eastern countries are Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI).  

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 exploring the safest Middle Eastern countries according to the GPI ranking of the safest countries in the world, particularly when it comes to factors such as low crime rates, social stability, and effective law enforcement.  

Our immigration experts at Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) put together this guide for foreigners considering relocating to the Middle East, and need professional guidance and advice.  

Safest Middle Eastern Countries – Key Takeaways

The six safest countries in the Middle East are Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

This ranking uses the Global Peace Index, which evaluates countries across 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators. 

The GPI is an annual ranking, so travelers must always check travel advisories to be sure whether a country is currently safe to visit. 

A safe country does not mean it is best for relocation or investment. You must consider other factors such as available Citizenship-By-Investment (CBI) or Residency-By-Investment (RBI) programs and the associated conditions, taxation, and property rights. 

The term “safety” in this ranking follows the Global Peace Index (GPI), one of the most comprehensive measures of peacefulness worldwide, which evaluates countries across 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three main categories: 

1. Ongoing domestic and international conflict 
2. Societal safety and security 
3. Militarization 

These categories encompass a wide range of factors that contribute to a country’s safety profile. Here are the key criteria that are 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 a responsive police, fire services, and high-quality medical care. Countries with advanced healthcare infrastructure are typically rated higher in overall safety. 

Note that the GPI is a national peace index and is not a guarantee of personal safety or a live travel warning.   

Under the 2026 Global Peace Index ranking focusing on Middle East Countries, here are the six highest-ranking ones.  

Qatar 

• Global Peace Index score: 1.676 
• Global Peace Index rank: 31 

Qatar has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the Zubarah Town ruins, which have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consistently ranks at the top of the safest Middle Eastern countries, sitting at number 31 worldwide. This is thanks to low crime rates, high political stability, and minimal conflict internally. 

The country’s Numbeo Crime Index is around 15.16, which is considered very low in comparison to global standards. It has a very low crime level at 9.72, according to Numbeo.  

Laws are strictly enforced, and it employs various advanced surveillance systems which show a strong emphasis on maintaining public safety. Overall, this contributes to an environment where residents and visitors feel secure. 

Kuwait 

• Global Peace Index score: 1.813 
• Global Peace Index rank: 49 

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 Numbeo crime index of approximately 32.36 and benefits from a high-income economy, modern infrastructure, and efficient public services. 

While Kuwait has a higher degree of militarization compared to some neighboring countries, 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.  

Oman 

• Global Peace Index score: 1.85 
• Global Peace Index rank: 60 

Oman ranks as one of the most peaceful Arab countries on the Global Peace Index and maintains a low Crime Index of about 18.97, according to Numbeo. The country’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 popular 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.  

Jordan 

• Global Peace Index score: 1.913 
• Global Peace Index rank: 68 

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 39.34, 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. 

United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

• Global Peace Index score: 1.927 
• Global Peace Index rank: 73 

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 Numbeo Crime Index around 13.69, it boasts very 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. 

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 also strengthens this reputation, offering 5- and 10-year residency to foreigners who value security and modern infrastructure and want to make the UAE their home. 

Saudi Arabia 

• Global Peace Index score: 2.067 
• Global Peace Index rank: 95 

Saudi Arabia records low levels of everyday crime, with a Numbeo crime index score of 23.05. It scored highly in the same index relating to how safe residents feel when walking home, either at night or in the daytime.   

The country ranks 95th on the Global Peace Index, lower than many neighboring Gulf states mainly due to militarization and involvement in regional conflicts. Major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah welcome a large number of tourists thanks to their modern and extensive transport network and services for residents.  

The GPI is an annual ranking based on a number of preset factors and it may not capture current events affecting these regions in particular.  

As of 25 September 2026, every country on this list has a Level 3 (reconsider travel) advisory warning from the US and the UK FCDO due to conflicts in the region. The table below shows the national travel advisory ranking attached to each country.  

How safe you feel in a country can vary based on your identity, gender, whether you speak the local language or not, and many other factors. Here are some important questions to consider before traveling to any of these countries.  

• Does my nationality affect entry requirements, visa availability, or access to consular support if needed? 
• Are there any strict local dress, gender-related or behavioral codes of conduct in the country I’m visiting? 
• Are same-sex relationships and public displays of affection allowed or frowned upon in these countries? 
• Are there any specific areas I must avoid in the countries I visit? 
• Will I have access to reliable transportation and evacuation services if needed? 
• Have I checked the current travel advisory related to the country? 

Considering these questions and more will provide a clear idea of whether you should travel to that country or not. 

Although safety rankings can help you compare which countries are somewhat safe, they should not guide your residence or investment decisions. A country that ranks highly on the Global Peace Index may not be the best for residence or investment opportunities.  

You should check other important factors such as investment opportunities, available citizenship by investment programs, and their associated conditions, residence programs, taxation, and property rights.  

The best way to check the conditions of a country before traveling or relocating there is to check your country’s online travel advisory on your intended destination.  

These advisories, such as the US Travel Advisory and the UK Travel Advisory are updated very often and will provide a clear idea of whether a region is safe to travel to at any particular time, areas to avoid, or things to plan for and expect. These advisories also share helpful resources on steps to contact your embassyif you are ever in an unsafe situation in a foreign country.