Elon Musk has sided with Telegram founder Pavel Durov after the messaging app’s CEO argued that Dubai’s crime statistics make it objectively safer than many European cities — even accounting for ongoing missile and drone interceptions in the region.
Musk, who leads Tesla and SpaceX, replied to Durov’s post on X: “No country is perfect, but Dubai and UAE broadly are objectively safer and better run than many areas of Europe.”
The exchange was set off by Durov, who disclosed on Sunday, March 1, that he had temporarily left Dubai for Europe the previous week. In a post that has since surpassed 3.4 million views, Durov wrote: “Unfortunately, I had to leave Dubai for Europe — so I’m not only missing the free fireworks from Iran, but also exposing myself to greater risk. Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying. Can’t wait to be back.”
Crime index data from Numbeo’s 2026 rankings lend some weight to the claim. Dubai scores roughly 15–16 on the index, with a safety index exceeding 84 — figures that place it among the lower-crime major cities globally. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah register similarly strong numbers. By contrast, residents across parts of France and the United Kingdom have raised persistent concerns over theft and violent crime, with several urban centres there carrying notably higher crime index scores.
Security analysts have noted that while the broader Gulf region faces elevated geopolitical tension, the UAE’s street crime rates remain low and its law enforcement standards strict. UAE authorities have said security systems are operating normally despite the regional interceptions.
Durov relocated Telegram’s operations to Dubai in 2017. The response to his remarks on X was largely receptive, with many users citing published safety rankings to support his position.
