While I have travelled a lot, for the past four years I have pitched my metaphorical tent in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
One of the things that I like about this place is the fact that I feel that both I and my property is safe. There are few other places in the world where I would leave my mobile phone or other belongings on the table at a restaurant or bar when I go to the rest room. But in the UAE, I have complete confidence that they will be there when I return.
Similarly, I don’t fret about going home and finding my flat ransacked, and I don’t fear being mugged on the streets regardless of how late I am out and about.
So, what makes a city safe?
The Economist Travel Unit has, apparently, worked out a way to name them in a white paper. And, indeed, Abu Dhabi is at the top of its list for the Middle East and Africa, where other “safe” cities are Doha, Kuwait City, Riyadh, Johannesburg and Tehran.
In North America, it’s Toronto, New York and San Francisco at the top of the list; while the safest places in Europe are said to be Stockholm, Amsterdam and Zurich.
In Latin America, it’s Santiago, Beunos Aires and Lima; and in Asia-Pacifc, it’s Tokyo, Singapore and Osaka.
The BBC has done some analysis here. All I would add is that: no matter where you are, if you are a tourist you need to stay alert. Some people are not very nice and they will target you over a local
