At a Glance
- Abu Dhabi leads 2025 global safety rankings, becoming a magnet for African billionaire family offices.
- Dubai’s luxury real estate remains a prime choice for Nigerian and South African billionaire investors.
- Doha, Muscat, and Manama rise as new hubs for wealth preservation and safe investments.
In a world roiled by geopolitical uncertainty, crime concerns and economic volatility, the planet’s safest cities are emerging as magnets for capital—especially from Africa’s billionaire elite.
In 2025, cities like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Taipei, Sharjah, Manama, Muscat, The Hague, Munich, and Trondheim are topping global safety indices—pinned not just on low crime, but strict legal frameworks, stable governance, advanced surveillance and policing, and high standards of public infrastructure.
For Africa’s wealthiest, these are not merely places to visit; they have become strategic footholds in global investment portfolios.
Take Abu Dhabi, now a choice destination for African billionaires seeking secure asset protection. Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris has relocated his family office there, leveraging the city’s financial infrastructure and favorable regulatory regime.
In Dubai, real estate remains king: top suburbs such as Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Emirates Hills have seen sizeable ownership by Nigerian and South African elites including Femi Otedola, who owns luxury homes there, and others who use Dubai both as home base and as a launchpad for business across Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Even as Doha, Muscat, and Manama offer rising safety and stability—as reflected in global tax-friendly and wealth preservation rankings—public data shows fewer named African billionaires yet, though momentum is building as wealthy Africans explore residency, real estate, and business registrations in these Gulf cities.
Meanwhile, safe European cities like The Hague and Munich, with their rigorous law enforcement, property rights protection and political stability, remain attractive though less penetrated, due to stricter immigration controls and cost. For many African billionaires, balancing safety, return on investment, and quality of life has made these cities not just refuges, but engines for diversified, global wealth.
Good — below is a concise, sourced list for each of the 10 safest cities (2025) naming African billionaires publicly documented to own property, family offices, or run businesses there. Where no named individual property ownership is publicly documented, I’ve said so and pointed to the clearest public link (corporate contracts, family-office moves or investment activity).
1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Safety Index: 88.4 percent
Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris — moved his family office (NNS Group) to Abu Dhabi and redomiciled operations there. Abu Dhabi tops the global safety rankings in 2025, reflecting its low crime rates, strict law enforcement, and modern infrastructure. Residents and visitors benefit from strong security measures, advanced surveillance, and community-oriented policing, making the UAE capital a benchmark for urban safety, stability, and quality of life worldwide.
2. Doha, Qatar
Safety Index: 84.1 percent
Doha secures second place with an impressive safety index, supported by robust governance, strict law enforcement, and high social order. The Qatari capital’s thriving economy, efficient public services, and community trust foster a secure urban environment. Its low crime rates continue to attract businesses, expatriates, and tourists alike.
3. Dubai, UAE
Safety Index: 83.8 percent
Aliko Dangote (setting up/expanding a Dubai family-office presence) and Femi Otedola (widely reported purchases of luxury Dubai homes). Dubai is a major destination for African billionaires’ family offices and real estate. Dubai, renowned for its futuristic skyline and global appeal, ranks among the world’s safest cities. Strong security systems, advanced technologies, and active law enforcement ensure safety for residents and millions of tourists. The emirate’s proactive policies help sustain social harmony while supporting its role as a major global hub.
4. Taipei, Taiwan
Safety Index: 83.8 percent
Taipei remains one of Asia’s safest cities, driven by low crime, reliable policing, and strong civic responsibility. Public transportation is widely trusted, and community vigilance enhances urban security. The Taiwanese capital balances rapid modernization with social cohesion, making it a model of safety and livability in East Asia.
5. Sharjah, UAE
Safety Index: 83.8 percent
Sharjah upholds its reputation as one of the safest cities globally, blending cultural heritage with effective governance. Strict regulations, visible law enforcement, and a family-oriented environment contribute to low crime levels. Safety is a cornerstone of the emirate’s development strategy, reinforcing its appeal as a secure place to live.
6. Manama, Bahrain
Safety Index: 81 percent
Manama, Bahrain’s capital, earns high marks for safety due to stable governance, low crime rates, and strong community ties. The city’s blend of traditional values and modern infrastructure fosters a secure environment. It continues to attract regional business and tourism, with safety playing a central role in its growth.
7. Muscat, Oman
Safety Index: 80.9 percent
Hassan Allam (Egyptian construction group led by an Egyptian tycoon) — Egyptian construction and engineering firms (led by African executives/owners) have won contracts and projects in Muscat, showing business presence even where private property ownership by individuals is less public. Muscat ranks among the safest cities in 2025, thanks to effective policing, a welcoming community, and cultural emphasis on harmony. The Omani capital boasts low crime and a peaceful atmosphere, supported by government commitment to public order. Its safety index enhances its reputation as a serene and secure destination.
8. The Hague, Netherlands
Safety Index: 79.5 percent
The Hague, seat of international justice, stands out for its safety index rooted in strong governance, efficient policing, and advanced civic systems. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates and high trust in public institutions. Its secure environment complements its status as a hub for diplomacy, justice, and global affairs.
9. Munich, Germany
Safety Index: 79.4 percent
Munich remains Germany’s safest major city, blending modern security with social trust. Known for its high quality of life, the Bavarian capital maintains low crime through strong policing and community engagement. Its efficient infrastructure and cultural vibrancy reinforce its reputation as a safe, welcoming city for residents and visitors.
10. Trondheim, Norway
Safety Index: 79.3 percent
Trondheim, known for its innovation and history, ranks among the world’s safest cities. The Norwegian city benefits from low crime, social equality, and high public trust. Safety is enhanced by strong community values and effective governance. Residents enjoy a secure, sustainable urban environment, balancing modern living with Scandinavian traditions.
