The United Arab Emirates has been ranked the safest country in the world to visit in 2026 for Gen Z travellers, according to a new report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), underscoring the country’s growing appeal among young, safety-conscious tourists.
As safety continues to top the list of travel priorities for Gen Z, the 2026 World’s Safest Countries report offers a clear answer to a question travellers have asked for years: How safe is a destination really? For Gen Z, the answer is the UAE.
BHTP, which has published annual safety rankings since 2018, expanded its latest report to include age-based insights, income groups and detailed safety indicators such as crime, terrorism, health risks and inclusivity. While countries like Canada, Japan and those in Northern Europe traditionally dominate safety rankings, the UAE made a notable leap—rising from 18th place last year to 7th globally in overall travel safety.
Among Gen Z respondents, however, the UAE claimed the No.1 spot worldwide, surpassing long-established safe destinations. It was also the only country from the Gulf and wider Middle East to feature in the global top tier.
According to the report, the UAE’s rise reflects years of consistent destination marketing, strong law enforcement, advanced infrastructure and a visible sense of order that resonates strongly with younger travellers.
Top 10 Safest Countries for Gen Z Travellers (2026)
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
- Denmark
- South Korea
- Netherlands
- Ireland
- France
- Mexico
- Austria
- Japan
City-level safety also played a crucial role in the UAE’s ranking. Several cities linked to the UAE—including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah—feature prominently in global crime-safety indices, consistently reporting low crime rates and effective policing.
Unlike rankings based purely on statistics, BHTP’s findings draw heavily from real traveller experiences. Respondents evaluated destinations on crime, terrorism, health risks and how safe specific groups—including travellers of colour and LGBTQIA+ travellers—felt while visiting.
The report does caution visitors to remain mindful of the UAE’s strict laws, particularly regarding drugs, public behaviour and cultural norms, as violations can lead to severe penalties.
As Gen Z reshapes global travel trends, prioritising safety, predictability and confidence over novelty alone, the UAE’s top ranking signals a shift in how young travellers define a “safe” destination. In 2026, the UAE is not just perceived as safe—it has become the global benchmark.
