Saturday, July 5, 2025

Dubai and Abu Dhabi were ranked as two of the world’s best cities to explore after nightfall when it came to general safety and beauty appeal. Dubai was recently ranked third for most scenic city after nightfall in a survey by UK travel agent Travelbag, and Abu Dhabi made a satisfactory 12th place on the list. Such rankings not only showcase how stunning the night skies of the UAE are but also how much priority both cities put on making safe places for individuals to explore after nightfall.

Travelbag studies on nighttime activities, urban quality of life, and tourist safety have transformed both cities into global leaders of nighttime tourism. The ranking is a direct indicator of what the UAE has achieved in delivering a vibrant but safe experience to both locals and international tourists.

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very safe cities. Abu Dhabi is seemingly the safest place to go after dusk in the world, and this has drawn global intrigue. Dubai is not far behind and is in the world’s top three safest cities after dusk. Such a status is a clear indication of how both cities are concerned with security to enable residents and tourists to enjoy their evenings in peace.

These safety ratings are of specific significance since they also reflect ongoing initiatives on behalf of local authorities to achieve a safe environment long after dusk. By emphasizing safety, both cities also become appealing tourist destinations for people who are eager for nighttime adventures without having to fret about their safety.

In line with Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Tourism Authority spokesperson, “Dubai has consistently ensured to provide an environment wherein safety is paramount and so especially for night tourism. We aspire to provide a place where individuals can enjoy the world of vibrant nightlife without fear ,and these rankings are a validation of that effort.”

Even after exploring the cities’ nighttime entertainment, Dubai stood out for enjoying a lively night life. Dubai is a gathering place for night people and night entertainment enthusiasts with over 190venues maintaining late-hour openings. At night, the city’s skyline aglow with bright lights offers a beautiful and trademark view and is also seen by starlight for night sightseeing.

However, just like everything else, Dubai has some noise and lighting pollution issues to contend with and scores 52.58 on the pollution meter on a scale of 100. The consequence has been ongoing discussion on how to urbanise without compromising the sustainability of the environment.

Compared to this, Abu Dhabi’s nightlife is slightly quieter, with 62 night-time venues. This makes for a calmer and quieter nighttime life, with a pollution ranking of 47, and demonstrating a calm atmosphere. Although not as vibrant as Dubai’s nightlife, Abu Dhabi’s slow pace is popular for people wanting to go out for a quieter night.

Noctourism is rising: One of the New Innovations of Tourism
Interest in “noctourism” — travel activities and experiences after dusk — is gaining steadily in popularity. Booking.com predicted nighttime travel will be one of 2025’s foremost trends, and tourists are becoming increasingly interested in unique activities like stargazing and moonlit city tours, and also desert safaris. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are equally catering to this shift of tourist interest by offering a myriad of nighttime adventures.

Dubai’s response to the rise of noctourism has been innovative and pragmatic. Some of Dubai’s most popular tourist spots are now presenting special night tours when tourists can see Dubai after sundown and experience the cooler and atmospheric ambiance of sightseeing after dusk. One of this’s biggest examples is how night-time desert safaris are becoming increasingly popular among tourists and searches about them are increasing by 22 percent to experience smoother and cooler desert evenings after sunset.

When it is extremely hot in the region during the day, evenings are a good time to explore the city without having to experience summer heat in Dubai. Due to this fact, various activities and night tours are available for individuals to enjoy Dubai’s beauty at night.

Dubai has also made practical moves to increase nighttime activities for tourists, particularly when summer is extremely hot. One of them is starting “night swimming” at three of Dubai’s public beaches. By doing so, beach access is extended to the night when it is cooler for residents and tourists to enjoy beach activities and swim without exposure to the noon hot sun.

These measures are evidence of Dubai’s commitment to ensuring nighttime activities are both safe and fun. In addition to this, Dubai’s vibrant nightlife and cultural events, such as nighttime museum and artwork tours, have made it a travelers’ destination of choice when it comes to exploring a vibrant yet safe place after sunset.

“We are always looking to make Dubai better and better for night-time tourism. Whether it’s with a new beach program or after-hours entertainment, we want our tourists to feel safe and inspired exploring after dark,” Al Maktoum said.

While Dubai may own the nightlife world, Abu Dhabi offers a subdued but equally beautiful nightlife. Its serene waterfronts, luxury hotels, and chic eating options are reinvigorated after sunset and spring to life when it is dark. Abu Dhabi’s desire to maintain a subdued and safe nightlife offers travelers a wonderful luxury and relaxation blend.

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