MUSCAT : An impressive 94% of residents said they feel safe, a figure that places the Sultanate alongside global leaders such as Singapore, China, and Saudi Arabia, and underscores the country’s reputation for peace, order, and trust in public institutions.

The Gallup report, produced in partnership with the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University, surveyed more than 145,000 adults across 144 countries. Participants were asked about their sense of personal safety, confidence in law enforcement, and experiences with theft or assault over the past year.

Oman’s strong showing reflects several key factors, including the visible presence and quick responsiveness of the Royal Oman Police (ROP), which continues to foster high levels of public trust. Well-lit streets, secure pedestrian pathways, and reliable public transport networks contribute further to citizens’ sense of security. Beyond infrastructure, Oman’s cohesive social fabric, rooted in respect, civility, and collective responsibility, strengthens both urban and rural communities.

Regionally, Oman stands out within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where five of the ten highest-ranked countries are members. Oman leads with 94%, followed by Saudi Arabia (93%), Kuwait (91%), Bahrain (90%), and the UAE (90%). Globally, Singapore once again tops the list at 98%, followed by Tajikistan (95%) and China (94%). On the other end of the spectrum, South Africa reported the lowest safety perception at just 33%, with similarly low figures recorded in Botswana and Lesotho.

The report also highlights ongoing global disparities in gender-based safety perceptions, with 67% of women worldwide feeling safe walking alone at night, compared to 78% of men. In some developed nations, including the US and Australia, the gender gap exceeds 25 percentage points.

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