Great news for residents and visitors – the UAE has been ranked the second safest country in the world in 2025. According to Numbeo’s Safety Index, the UAE secured this prestigious spot, just behind Andorra.

The ranking isn’t just a fluke — the UAE boasts the second-lowest crime rate globally, proving it’s one of the most secure places to live, work, and travel.

Gulf Nations Dominate the List

The UAE isn’t the only Gulf nation making waves in safety! Qatar landed in third place, while Oman secured the fifth spot just behind Taiwan. Saudi Arabia (14th) and Bahrain (16th) also made it into the top 20, proving tthat he GCC is a powerhouse for safety and security.

Why is the UAE So Safe?

Strict Laws & Tough Penalties – The UAE enforces zero tolerance for crime, drugs, and public misconduct, keeping crime rates are extremely low.

High-Tech Policing & AI Surveillance – With smart policing, AI-powered security systems, and an extensive surveillance network, authorities can detect and prevent crime faster than ever.

Strong Economy & Social Stability – The UAE’s wealth, job opportunities, and social welfare help reduce crime by removing economic desperation.

Safe for Everyone, Including Women & Tourists – Well-lit streets, strict anti-harassment laws, and a strong police presence make the UAE a haven where women and families feel safe, even at night.

The World’s Top 20 Safest Countries (2025)

According to Numbeo’s Safety Index, here’s how the world ranks:

1. Andorra – 84.7
2. UAE – 84.5
3. Qatar – 84.2
4. Taiwan – 82.9
5. Oman – 81.7
6. Isle Of Man – 79.0
7. Hong Kong – 78.5
8. Armenia – 77.9
9. Singapore – 77.4
10. Japan – 77.1
11. Monaco – 76.7
12. Estonia – 76.3
13. Slovenia – 76.2
14. Saudi Arabia – 76.1
15. China – 76.0
16. Bahrain – 75.5
17. South Korea – 75.1
18. Croatia – 74.5
19. Iceland – 74.3
20. Denmark – 74.0

(Source: economymiddleeast.com)

ISEZA is set to be the UAE’s first dedicated sports and entertainment business cluster within the Free Zone environment.

It will serve as an industry-focused business hub facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities, fostering a unique collaborative ecosystem to support and accelerate the industry’s growth.

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Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the Emirates’s economy. The UAE has also been a pioneer in Economic Zones development, with over 40 Free Zones focusing on various industries. ISEZA will serve as a dedicated hub to support the thriving sports and entertainment business sector in the UAE and the wider Middle East.

The Zone will provide a unified platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, fan tokens. The Zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals.

ISEZA will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others.

Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset & Investment Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasised DWTC’s long-standing legacy in hosting major sporting events and live entertainment. He stated, “The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from our award-winning Free Zone’s prime location in the heart of the city’s business district, streamlined business setup, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar. By attracting sports and entertainment-focused businesses, we are reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub and contributing to the growth of the sports sector in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

The Zone will also attract international and regional sports organizations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. With its exceptional global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and favourable tax regime, Dubai offers a strong competitive advantage for hosting global sports organizations.

ISEZA CEO, Mr. Damir Valeev, added “Our project is aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment and tourism. This initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs and community projects in Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas. Driven by the UAE’s vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall”.

Located in One Central, in Dubai’s dynamic business district, next to the Dubai Museum of the Future, ISEZA will shape the future of sports & entertainment industry growth in the years to come and will become a new center of gravity for the industry entrepreneurs, professionals, enthusiasts, and talents.

The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reaffirmed the importance of Corporate Tax registration for all natural persons conducting business in the country. If your total turnover exceeds Dh1 million in the 2024 calendar year or any subsequent year, you are considered a Taxable Person and must register for Corporate Tax by March 31 of the following year to remain compliant.

Key Compliance Requirements:

• Who Needs to Register? Any individual (natural person) conducting a business or business activity in the UAE whose turnover exceeds Dh1 million.
• Deadline for Registration: March 31, 2025, for those exceeding the turnover threshold in 2024.
• Corporate Tax Return Submission: Due by September 30, 2025.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to register by the deadline will result in an administrative penalty of Dh10,000.

Registration Process:

• VAT or Excise Tax registrants can log into their EmaraTax account to submit their Corporate Tax registration.
• Once approved, a corporate tax registration number will be issued.

Businesses in the country must register for corporate tax on time to avoid paying penalties.

(Source: Wam)