MUSCAT: Muscat has further strengthened its global standing as one of the most stable and safest cities in the world, securing the first place in the Arab world and 11th globally in the 2024/2025 Safe Cities Index issued by Numbeo. The achievement reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s continued progress in enhancing community stability and improving quality of life indicators.
The index is widely regarded as a key international benchmark for measuring perceived safety and crime levels across cities worldwide. It is based primarily on residents’ assessments, covering crime rates, personal safety perceptions at different times of the day, and the prevalence of various types of crime, in addition to broader quality-of-life and social stability indicators.
Muscat’s advancement in the ranking highlights growing international confidence in Oman as a secure destination for living, working, investing and tourism. This comes amid continuous development in infrastructure and public services, alongside the country’s long-standing political and social stability, which remains one of its most distinctive strengths.
Specialists in social affairs note that the achievement is not incidental but rather the outcome of sustained institutional efforts and long-term strategic planning. These efforts have focused on building a cohesive society grounded in values of tolerance, mutual respect, and the rule of law, in addition to the critical role played by security agencies in maintaining public safety and reinforcing a sense of reassurance across communities.
A social researcher commented that personal safety is one of the most significant indicators of urban quality of life, adding that Muscat’s top regional ranking reflects the effectiveness of an integrated system combining security, development and community services.
Salim al Maqbali said, “We live in an environment where people feel safe at all times, whether during the day or at night. This sense of security has become part of daily life in Muscat and is one of its most defining features compared to many cities I have visited.”
Meanwhile, Indian expatriate Prisha Das, who has lived in Muscat for several years, said, “What attracted me most to living here is the constant sense of safety. I can move around freely at any time without concern. The respectful and kind nature of the community makes life here very comfortable and stable. Muscat is truly an ideal city for families.”
Muscat continues to enjoy a strong reputation among visitors and residents as a calm and secure city, with significantly low crime rates compared to many global urban centres. This allows residents to move freely and confidently at all hours, positively reflecting on daily life as well as economic and social activity.
The ranking comes as Oman continues to implement its national development agenda under Vision 2040, which places quality of life and community stability at the centre of its priorities. The vision focuses on urban development, improved public services, enhanced infrastructure efficiency and the creation of a more sustainable living environment.
Analysts expect this recognition to further support Oman’s tourism sector, particularly as global travellers increasingly prioritise safe destinations. It is also anticipated to strengthen the investment climate, as safety remains one of the most critical factors influencing business location decisions and corporate expansion strategies.
With this latest accomplishment, Muscat continues to consolidate its position as one of the leading Arab and global cities offering a secure and stable environment for both residents and visitors, reflecting the steady progress of Oman’s broader development journey across multiple sectors.
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