Gen Z says the UAE is the safest country in the world to visit in 2026 — here’s what makes it stand out

The UAE tops Gen Z’s global safety rankings for travel in 2026, outperforming traditional safe-haven destinations.

For nearly a decade, travellers have been asking the same question before booking a trip: How safe is the destination really? In 2026, that question has a clear—and somewhat surprising—answer for Gen Z travellers.

According to the latest World’s Safest Countries report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the safest country in the world for Gen Z travellers, cementing its growing appeal among young, safety-conscious globetrotters.

BHTP has been compiling its safety rankings since 2018, using feedback from travellers who have actually visited these destinations. The 2026 edition goes a step further, breaking down rankings by age groups, income levels and specific safety factors, including crime, terrorism, health risks and inclusivity.

While traditional safety favourites like Northern Europe, Canada, Japan and the ANZAC countries continue to dominate the list, the UAE’s rise stands out. The country jumped from 18th place last year to 7th globally in overall travel safety—ranking ahead of Switzerland, Japan, Ireland, Belgium and the UK. Notably, it was the only country from the Gulf or the wider Middle East to feature in the global top tier.

Among Gen Z respondents, the UAE claimed the No.1 spot worldwide, outperforming long-established safe havens. According to the report, the country’s years of sustained destination marketing, strong law enforcement and visible safety infrastructure are paying off with the youngest—and most travel-hungry—demographic.

1. United Arab Emirates
2. Canada
3. Denmark
4. South Korea
5. Netherlands
6. Ireland
7. France
8. Mexico
9. Austria
10. Japan

One major factor driving the UAE’s strong showing is city-level safety. Seven of the top 10 safest cities on Numbeo’s crime index fall within the UAE’s sphere, including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah, alongside Doha. These cities consistently report low crime rates, efficient policing and a strong sense of public security—key concerns for young travellers navigating the world independently.

What makes the UAE’s ranking especially notable is that BHTP’s safety scores are based on traveller experiences, not just statistics. Respondents were asked about safety from crime, terrorism and disease, as well as how safe different groups—such as travellers of colour and LGBTQIA+ travellers—felt while visiting.

The findings reveal a growing global recognition of the UAE’s safety credentials, particularly among Gen Z, whose perceptions differed sharply from older age groups in this year’s survey.

While the UAE ranks high for safety, the report also highlights important caveats. Laws are strictly enforced, and violations involving drugs, public behaviour or dress codes can carry severe penalties. Justice is swift, making it essential for visitors to respect local customs and regulations.

As Gen Z continues to reshape global travel trends, safety is emerging as a key driver of destination choice—sometimes even outweighing cost or novelty. The UAE’s top ranking signals a shift in how young travellers define “safe”: not just low crime, but order, predictability and confidence while moving through a foreign country.

In 2026, for Gen Z travellers looking to explore the world with peace of mind, the UAE isn’t just an option—it’s the benchmark.