The World’s Safest Cities for Solo Travelers in 2026: UAE Takes the Crown

Published on January 9, 2026

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Solo travel is having a monumental year. According to recent data from Hilton and Virtuoso, nearly 76% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers are planning to strike out on their own this year. But for any lone explorer, one question looms larger than any other: “Will I be safe?”

The latest research from long-haul specialists Travelbag has analyzed 36 global destinations, looking at daytime and nighttime safety scores, affordability, and traveler friendliness.⁴ The results are in, and they paint a picture of a world where security and luxury are increasingly intertwined.

The UAE: A Double Victory

For the first time in recent history, one country has captured both the gold and silver medals for safety. Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the safest city in the world for solo travelers, followed closely by its neighbor, Dubai.⁵

Abu Dhabi, UAE (Score: 92 Day | 87 Night)⁶

Abu Dhabi isn’t just safe; it’s serene. The city recorded a staggering daytime safety score of 92 out of 100.⁷ Travelers can wander through the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or kayak through the Mangrove National Park with total peace of mind.

• Why it won: Advanced AI-integrated policing, well-lit public spaces, and a culture that prioritizes hospitality.
• Solo Tip: Take a sunset stroll along the Corniche; the high visibility of security and a family-friendly atmosphere make it perfectly comfortable after dark.

Dubai, UAE (Score: 91 Day | 83 Night)

Dubai continues to prove that a “24-hour city” can also be a safe one. Ranking second, Dubai excels because of its low crime rate and high accessibility.

• Why it won: Women-only compartments on the Metro and “Smart Police Stations” that allow travelers to report issues without ever entering a traditional station.

The Global Top 5: At a Glance

The 2026 report shows a diverse range of safe havens spanning from the Middle East to Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Regional Champions: Beyond the Middle East

Southeast Asia: The Solo Soul’s Favorite

Chiang Mai, Thailand, actually holds the highest daytime safety score in the world (93). It remains the “capital of calm” for solo travelers.¹³ Its combination of affordable street food, a welcoming expat community, and the general “Thai smile” makes it an easy transition for first-time soloists.

Europe: Walkability and Equality

While the Gulf dominates the overall safety metrics, European cities like Munich and Reykjavik remain the gold standard for solo female travelers. Munich, in particular, is frequently cited as the most walkable major city, where the “trust culture” allows travelers to leave their belongings briefly at a cafe table without the fear of theft.

Humanizing the Solo Experience: Safety is a Feeling

Data tells us where we are safe, but human experience tells us where we feel safe. For solo travelers, safety isn’t just about the absence of crime—it’s about the presence of community.

In Muscat, Oman (Ranked 4th), travelers often report being invited for tea by locals or directed through the souks with genuine kindness. In Seoul, South Korea (Ranked 6th), the “safety” comes from the sheer vibrancy of the city; it is a place where you are never truly alone, even at 3:00 AM in a brightly lit 24-hour convenience store.

How to Choose Your 2026 Destination

If you plan to go solo this year, you can use the three-pillar framework to help you decide.

• Safety Perception: If you plan on visiting the nightlife, check Numbeo or Travelbag to see how safe the area is during the night.
• Infrastructure: Go to places such as Dubai or Singapore. They have great public transport that is easy to see and access.
• Social Ease: Choose places to travel to that have places where solo dining is accepted. Enjoy the easy social dining in places like Chiang Mai and the culture of Portugal in Lisbon. SUMMARY: 2026 is the first year of the great opening world to travel solo without the fear of having to travel at great risk. The safety throughout the world is at an all time high from the Abu Dhabi’s high tech safe world to the beautiful safe mountain’s of Queenstown.