Oman Ranked Among the World’s Safest Countries for Walking Alone at Night
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Oman has emerged as one of the world’s safest countries for walking alone at night, according to the Gallup 2025 Global Safety Report, with an impressive 94% of residents reporting that they feel safe.
The report places Oman alongside global leaders such as Singapore, China, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Sultanate’s strong institutions, reliable infrastructure, and cohesive communities.
The Gallup survey covered over 145,000 adults across 144 countries, assessing personal safety, confidence in law enforcement, and experiences of theft or assault over the past year. The findings emphasize the critical role of local governance, visible law enforcement, and community cohesion in shaping citizens’ sense of security.
Oman’s top ranking reflects several key factors. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) maintain visible patrols and respond promptly to public safety concerns, fostering high levels of institutional trust. Urban infrastructure, including well-lit streets, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and secure public transport networks, further reinforces a sense of safety. Additionally, Oman’s strong social fabric, marked by cultural norms of respect, civility, and collective responsibility, creates supportive communities across both urban and rural areas.
Oman in Global and Regional Context
Among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, five of the ten nations with the highest safety perceptions were GCC members: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, all exceeding 90% in perceived safety. Oman leads the group with 94%, followed by Saudi Arabia (93%), Kuwait (91%), Bahrain (90%), and the UAE (90%).
Globally, Singapore tops the rankings at 98%, followed by Tajikistan (95%) and China (94%). This marks the 12th time Singapore has topped Gallup’s global list. In contrast, South Africa recorded the lowest safety perception, with only 33% of adults feeling safe, while Botswana and Lesotho reported 34%.
While Oman enjoys high overall safety ratings, the report highlights that gender-based differences in safety perceptions remain a global concern. Worldwide, 67% of women feel safe walking alone at night compared with 78% of men, with several high-income countries, including the US, Australia, and EU members, reporting gaps of 26 points or more.
In a statement, Gallup CEO Jon Clifton emphasized: “Safety isn’t only the absence of violence; it’s the presence of trust, institutions, and collective resilience.” The report was produced in partnership with the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University.
