For years, travellers always found themselves stuck with one question: Is it safe to travel? In 2026, Gen Z will have a clear answer, and we firmly agree with the response. According to the latest World’s Safest Countries report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, the United Arab Emirates ranks as the safest country in the world for Gen Z travellers.
Gen Z Names The UAE The Safest Country In The World To Visit In 2026
Not top five or top three, the UAE sits at the number one position on the list.
BHTP has tracked travel safety since 2018, using real feedback from people who’ve visited these destinations. The 2026 report goes beyond the basic criteria. The results are considered by age, income, and specific risks like crime, health concerns, terrorism, and inclusivity.
A Major Jump In Global Safety Rankings
UAE jumped from 18th place to 7th globally in overall safety, ranking ahead of Switzerland, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, and the UK. Even more striking, it was the only country from the Gulf or wider Middle East to land in the global top tier.
Why Gen Z Feels Secure In The UAE?
Among Gen Z respondents, the UAE didn’t just perform well; it dominated the list of countries.
The report points to years of consistent destination branding, strong law enforcement, and highly visible safety systems. For younger travellers who often move solo, it’s important to trust factors like public transport, staying out late and more.
Gen Z values clarity; hence, they want rules that make sense and systems that work, and the UAE stands firm on this.
The Top 10 Safest Countries For Gen Z In 2026
According to the report, Gen Z ranked safety like this:
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
- Denmark
- South Korea
- Netherlands
- Ireland
- France
- Mexico
- Austria
- Japan
City-Level Safety Makes A Big Difference
Another reason the UAE scored so high comes down to cities. On Numbeo’s crime index, seven of the world’s safest cities sit in or near the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Low crime rates, fast police response, and strong public order create a sense of calm that young travellers notice right away. For Gen Z, feeling safe walking alone, using ride-hailing apps, or navigating nightlife is crucial.
Safety Based On Experience, Not Just Numbers
What gives this ranking weight is how it was measured. BHTP didn’t just rely on crime stats but showed how travellers felt safe, be it women, travellers of colour, and LGBTQIA+ visitors.
Gen Z respondents consistently rated the UAE higher than older age groups did. That gap matters. It shows younger travellers judge safety through daily experience, not outdated assumptions.
What Visitors Still Need To Respect
Laws in the UAE are strict, and enforcement of laws like drug offences, public behaviour issues, and ignoring local customs can lead to serious consequences. Gen Z is quite aware that structure and predictability feel safer than chaos.
Also Read: New Dubai Police Platform At Global Village Lets Visitors Explore Smart Safety Services
The New Benchmark For Safe Travel
As Gen Z reshapes global tourism, safety sits above cost and novelty. The UAE’s top ranking shows how much that definition has changed.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ elijah.lovkoff’s Images
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