United Arab Emirates Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your United Arab Emirates trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
The UAE is one of the world's safest countries with extremely low crime rates, excellent policing, and a strong rule of law. Violent crime against tourists is virtually non-existent. The primary safety considerations are legal rather than criminal - strict UAE laws prohibit behaviors that are legal in most Western countries.
The United Arab Emirates combines futuristic cities with ancient desert traditions, offering world-class luxury, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From Dubai's soaring Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi's stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions. The UAE has minimal crime risks but strict laws on public behavior, alcohol, photography, and social conduct. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Last updated: 2025-06
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
UAE is safe for tourists with low crime. Be aware of UAE-specific laws on public behavior, photography, and social media.
UK Foreign Commonwealth Office
UAE has a low overall risk for tourists. Main concerns are legal compliance and road safety rather than crime.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi overcharging
Unofficial taxis (often approaching outside airports) may not use meters and significantly overcharge tourists, especially first-time visitors.
Counterfeit goods in souks
Fake luxury watches, handbags, and electronics are sold in Deira souks and some market areas. Purchase of counterfeit goods is technically illegal in UAE.
Desert safari commission scams
Unlicensed tour operators at airports and malls may offer desert safaris at below-market prices but provide poor-quality or unsafe experiences.
Money exchange rate manipulation
Some exchange offices advertise good rates but apply hidden fees or commission in addition to the displayed rate, resulting in worse effective exchange.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival using STEP or your country equivalent program in case of emergencies.
The UAE has strict laws: carrying even small amounts of drugs or certain medications without a prescription can result in imprisonment; check your medications with the UAE embassy before travel.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, souks, and public areas; women should carry a scarf for mosque visits and avoid revealing clothing outside beach and resort areas.
Avoid public displays of affection: kissing or embracing in public can result in a fine or arrest under UAE law.
During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting; most restaurants close during the day.
Use only licensed taxis (Dubai Taxis, Careem, or Uber) and avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers; always confirm the meter is running.
Stay hydrated: UAE summer temperatures exceed 45 degrees C; carry water at all times and limit outdoor activity between 11am and 4pm.
Photographing government buildings, military installations, and airports is illegal; always ask permission before photographing people, especially local women.
Drink driving is strictly illegal with zero tolerance: even one drink can result in imprisonment and deportation if involved in an accident.
Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times; police checkpoints occasionally request ID, especially near government areas.
Be aware of scams in tourist areas: unlicensed tour operators, counterfeit goods sellers in souks, and overpriced taxi rides targeting first-time visitors.
Swimming at non-designated beaches carries risks; always swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches and heed red flags indicating dangerous currents.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Generally very safe for solo travelers. Street crime is extremely rare and police presence is visible. Solo travelers should be aware of strict laws on public behavior, alcohol consumption outside licensed venues, and social media posts. Register with your embassy. Night transport via Careem/Uber is safe and recommended over walking late in industrial areas.
Female Travelers
UAE is one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers. Women travel solo extensively without incident. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) in public areas. Avoid secluded areas at night though most tourist areas are very safe. Pink-roofed taxis in Dubai are women and family only. Female-only metro carriages available.
Families
Extremely family-friendly with excellent infrastructure, clean environments, and child-focused attractions. Child safety at beaches is good with lifeguards at public beaches. Theme parks have excellent safety standards. UAE summer heat (June-September) requires careful management of children's outdoor time - keep indoors 10AM-6PM.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in UAE and public displays of same-sex affection can result in arrest. LGBTQ travelers should exercise significant discretion. The UAE is socially conservative on this topic. Many LGBTQ tourists visit without incident by being discreet, but legal risks are real and serious.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations up to date (MMR, DPT, etc.). Hepatitis A and B for longer stays. COVID-19 vaccination recommended.
Water Safety
Safe to drink but heavily desalinated - most people prefer bottled water for taste
Food Safety
Medical Facilities
Excellent - modern pharmacies everywhere, many 24-hour
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in United Arab Emirates
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide