Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
The UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates) is very safe for visitors, with low street crime and modern infrastructure. The main things to respect are conservative local laws and customs. Take normal precautions with belongings, drive carefully on fast roads, and be mindful of extreme summer heat.
- Overall
- Very safe
- Mind
- Local laws, heat
- Emergency
- Police 999
- Respect conservative local laws and customs
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go tourist zones within the main cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi; they are safe day and night. As the region can be affected by wider Middle East tensions, some governments advise general vigilance and to follow local news. Check your government's current advisory before and during your trip.
- Cities
- Safe day and night
- Region
- Stay informed
- Check
- Current advisories
- Follow local news given wider regional tensions
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The UAE has no earthquakes or typhoons, but summer heat is extreme (often over 40°C) with high humidity — heatstroke is a real risk. Occasional sandstorms reduce visibility, and rare heavy rain can cause sudden flooding on roads. Stay hydrated, limit midday sun, and follow National Center of Meteorology alerts.
- Heat
- Extreme in summer
- Sandstorms
- Occasional
- Rain
- Rare but flooding
- Heatstroke is a real risk — stay hydrated and limit midday sun
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Health care is excellent, with modern private hospitals — but treatment is expensive, so insurance matters. Tap water is desalinated and generally considered safe, though many prefer bottled water for taste. The biggest everyday health risk is heat and dehydration. There are no major tropical disease risks in the cities.
- Care
- Excellent (costly)
- Water
- Tap OK, bottled common
- Main risk
- Heat/dehydration
- Private treatment is costly — travel insurance matters
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Street crime is rare and the UAE is one of the safer places for tourists. The main risks are online and financial scams, fake rental or job offers, and occasional overcharging by informal taxis. Use licensed taxis or apps, be cautious with unknown links and requests for money, and keep valuables secure as anywhere.
- Street crime
- Rare
- Main risk
- Online/financial scams
- Taxis
- Use licensed/app
- Be cautious with unknown links and requests for money
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The UAE is politically stable and daily life for visitors is calm and orderly. Public protests are not permitted and are very rare. Avoid political discussion in public and on social media, as content criticising the authorities can breach local laws. Follow local news, especially regarding wider regional developments.
- Stability
- Stable
- Protests
- Not permitted
- Social media
- Avoid criticism
- Criticising authorities online can breach local laws
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
The UAE has conservative laws. Drinking alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues; public drunkenness is an offence. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites and away from beaches/pools. Public displays of affection, offensive gestures and swearing (including online) can lead to trouble. Drug laws are very strict. Respect Ramadan customs if visiting then.
- Alcohol
- Licensed venues only
- Dress
- Modest in public
- Drugs
- Very strict
- Public drunkenness and offensive behaviour are offences
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Emergency numbers are 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for fire. Operators generally speak English and response is fast in cities. Save your hotel address and embassy contact, and keep travel insurance details handy for private hospital care. Dubai also has tourist police to assist visitors.
- Police
- 999
- Ambulance
- 998
- Fire
- 997
- English is generally spoken by emergency operators
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as private medical care is excellent but expensive and hospitals may require payment upfront. Make sure your policy covers activities you plan, such as desert safaris, water sports, dune buggies or skydiving, plus adequate medical and repatriation cover.
- Insurance
- Strongly advised
- Cover
- Activities + medical
- Hospitals
- May need upfront pay
- Check cover for desert safaris and water sports