An online crime index has shown that Abu Dhabi is the safest city in the world.

According to the Crime Index Rate by Numbeo.com, a database of user-contributed information, Abu Dhabi emerged in 288th place of the 288 cities in terms of crime. This means the UAE’s capital is the safest city on earth.

Munich and Doha were in the 287th and 286th positions. The crime index placed Dubai in 279th position. “I totally agree with the crime index results. I have been here for more than two years, but I have never witnessed big crimes happening in the capital,” said French national Peter Johns.

“I feel safer staying in Abu Dhabi city than anywhere else in the world. I believe the security bodies are doing a great job.”

Egyptian expat Mohammed Tareq also supported the crime index results by Numbeo, stressing that stricter law enforcement has led to low crime in the capital. “It’s true. Abu Dhabi is a very safe city with just very few cases of crimes,” said Tareq. “Authorities have put in place strict laws and regulations which are being implemented well. This has deterred people from committing crimes.”

Indian national Nowshad J. says although he was seeing a few crimes being reported in the newspapers, the crime rate in Abu Dhabi was low compared to other places.

“I have been here for 10 years, but have never felt insecure at any one time, be it at home or when I move out late at night,” he said. “The crime rate in the UAE is really very low and not visible.”

The worst three cities for crime were Fortaleza in Brazil, followed by San Pedro Sula in Honduras, and Caracas in Venezuela.

According to Numbeo, Abu Dhabi’s Crime Index score was 14.41, while Dubai’s was 19.50.

Numbeo report said they consider crime levels lower than 20 as being very low; crime levels between 20 and 40 as being low; crime levels between 40 and 60 as being moderate; crime levels between 60 and 80 as being high; and crime levels higher than 80 as being very high.

Safety in numbers

> 288th spot – Abu Dhabi’s posiiton in Crime Index Rate by Numbeo.com in crime rankings

> 14.41 – Abu Dhabi’s Crime Index score

> 20 and below – crime levels considered ‘very low’, with 80 and above being very high