Cities in the United Arab Emirates have emerged as the most secure destinations for people travelling alone, following a new international assessment that compared safety conditions across major tourist hubs worldwide.
In findings released by Travelbag, Abu Dhabi placed first overall, narrowly ahead of Dubai, after researchers evaluated 36 cities using a mix of safety indicators and cost-related measures relevant to solo visitors.
The study relied heavily on data from the Numbeo Crime Index, a crowdsourced metric reflecting public perceptions of crime levels, including concerns around theft, assault, and property-related incidents. Daytime and nighttime safety scores were assessed alongside affordability, transport expenses, and how welcoming destinations are perceived to be by travellers on their own.
Abu Dhabi recorded the strongest overall safety profile, with a daytime score of 92 and a nighttime score of 87. Researchers pointed to the city’s orderly environment, visible security infrastructure, and consistently low crime levels as factors that contribute to confidence among solo visitors, including during late hours.
Dubai followed closely with corresponding scores of 91 during the day and 83 at night. The city’s around-the-clock activity, extensive lighting in public areas, and accessible transport networks were cited as reasons solo travellers are able to move through popular districts and entertainment zones with relative ease.
Outside the UAE, the safety-focused top five also included Chiang Mai in Thailand, Muscat in Oman, and Queenstown in New Zealand, reflecting a broader trend in which smaller or well-managed cities perform strongly on personal security indicators.
The research was conducted against a backdrop of rising interest in solo travel, particularly among younger demographics. According to the study, more than three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennial respondents said they intend to travel alone within the year, with personal safety identified as their primary consideration when choosing a destination.
While UAE cities led on security, the report identified Hanoi as the most well-rounded destination for solo travellers in 2025 when factors beyond safety were taken into account. High daytime safety ratings, low daily expenses, and a reputation for friendliness helped the Vietnamese capital secure the top overall position, with transport and food costs among the lowest surveyed.
Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka followed Hanoi in the overall solo travel rankings, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s position as a region offering a balance of affordability, accessibility, and personal security.
Travelbag noted that destinations across Southeast Asia continue to appeal to solo travellers due to well-developed transport systems, manageable travel costs, and communities accustomed to independent visitors, creating conditions that support both first-time and experienced solo trips.
