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What is this about? Safety in the UAE for tourists is of paramount importance. The United Arab Emirates has long established itself as one of the most comfortable destinations for international tourism. The gleaming skyscrapers of Dubai, the luxurious beaches of Abu Dhabi, modern shopping centres, and unique attractions draw millions of visitors from around the world every year.
What should you bear in mind? A low crime rate, well-developed infrastructure, the ubiquitous presence of security services, and CCTV surveillance create a sense of safety. And this is not merely an impression: statistics confirm that tourists are safe there. However, as in any country, there are rules and norms in force, and ignorance of them can lead to unpleasant situations.
Regarding safety for tourists in the UAE, according to Numbeo data, Dubai has a safety index of 84.9 and a crime index of 15.1. In other words — a very high level of safety and an extremely low level of crime, relative to other major cities in the world. The reason for this lies in the policies pursued by the UAE authorities in the area of law enforcement.
The UAE government actively implements the most up-to-date CCTV systems and maintains a dense presence of law enforcement officers on city streets. Even petty crimes are rare there.
Despite this, the authorities recommend that foreign tourists take precautions so that a holiday in Dubai leaves nothing but positive memories.
Among travellers to the UAE, there is a well-founded view that Dubai is a very safe city for independent travel. The high standard of law and order allows foreigners to experience local culture in keeping with their own preferences and interests.
The main tourist areas (Downtown, Dubai Marina, and the Jumeirah beaches) are traditionally busy, which provides an additional guarantee of personal safety.
Dubai's well-developed public transport network and thoroughly planned tourist routes make getting around the city very comfortable for solo travellers.
Bear in mind the importance of respecting local customs and dress requirements. Sightseeing as part of tourist groups and giving careful thought to your choice of accommodation will enhance your safety.
Women travelling to the UAE without a companion need not have any particular concerns. Dubai has been recognised as one of the safest places in the world by Travel Ladies (an app designed specifically for female travellers). The low crime rate allows female tourists to enjoy new experiences whilst feeling protected.
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Women travelling through the Emirates alone have access to any attraction (for example, the Dubai Fountains, the Dubai Opera, or the traditional markets). However, general safety recommendations for tourists in Dubai advise that modesty in dress should be maintained and traditional cultural norms should not be violated.
Joining a tourist group (women-only or mixed) can serve as an additional measure to avoid unpleasant situations whilst also being a fun way to spend time. Sensible precautions will allow a woman to have a wonderful time in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates is a country where Islam is the dominant religion, which entails fairly strict norms of behaviour in public places.
Muslim countries pay serious attention to regulating matters related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In the UAE, alcohol may not be consumed outside the home or outside licensed premises.
Only those who have obtained a special licence are permitted to purchase alcohol in Dubai. A foreign tourist may obtain a temporary (one-month) licence to purchase alcohol. Residents of Dubai are permitted to obtain a full licence.
Since 31 December 2022, the licence for purchasing alcohol in Dubai has been free of charge; prior to that, it cost approximately $70. This measure is experimental. The authorities have set aside a period of time to test it, having decided to assess how this decision affects the development of the tourism sector.
In Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emirates, the minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21 (except Sharjah, where alcohol is completely prohibited).
Further restrictions that tourists should be aware of include a ban on photographing government buildings and military facilities. It is also prohibited to photograph people without their permission. The British Government warns its citizens of the risk of being arrested for photographing women on beaches.
Bear in mind that UAE legislation treats any online publications critical of the country as a criminal offense.
A common misconception about the UAE — that relationships outside of marriage are prohibited there — should be dispelled. Unmarried couples living together is permitted by law.
What is genuinely prohibited, however, is homosexual relations. That said, the Emirates take a fairly liberal approach to the personal lives of foreign tourists. As such, booking a hotel room for a same-sex couple will not present any particular difficulties.
The most important thing is not to violate public decency in public places. That said, heterosexual couples are also not permitted to display affection in public.
Safety for tourists in Dubai is also ensured when using public transport (buses, trams, and the metro). The transport infrastructure is excellently developed. Routes serve all areas of the city and tourist attractions.
Bear in mind that during peak hours, buses and trains will be crowded. In such cases, try to avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, and keep a close eye on your belongings.
A good alternative to public transport, particularly at night (from a safety perspective), is a taxi. Use official operators or taxi-hailing apps (such as Uber and Careem). When getting into a car, choose the rear seat and monitor the route using GPS.
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Try not to become absorbed in your devices whilst on public transport to avoid losing all awareness of your surroundings. These simple precautions will make travelling around Dubai's streets comfortable and safe.
A number of medications in the Emirates fall into the "controlled substance" category, meaning that prior authorisation is required to bring them into the UAE. Failure to obtain this may result in the medicines being confiscated at the border, and you could face legal proceedings. Check your medications before travelling.
The use of profanities and indecent gestures (both in real life and online) is a criminal offence for which you may face either imprisonment or deportation.
Persons under the age of 18 may not stay in a hotel on their own.
For serious violations, police officers may seize the vehicle, and the return of the vehicle to its owner may cost 50,000 dirhams. Aggressive driving and making gestures at other road users can result in arrest and deportation.
Crossing the road other than at a designated crossing (jaywalking) is also an offence.
Even if they are not Muslims, tourists in the UAE during Ramadan are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, and playing loud music in public places.
Posting negative information about the activities of UAE authorities, companies, or citizens on online platforms can result in arrest.
These include not only financial fraud but also failure to pay a hotel bill. The punishment is the freezing of funds in bank accounts and arrest without the right to bail.
For example, the importation of poppy seeds is banned.
Even having traces of prohibited substances in the blood is unlawful. The penalty is a prison sentence (of three months) and a fine of up to 100,000 dirhams (approximately $27,000). Drug trafficking carries a punishment of up to the death penalty.
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Cosmetics and electronic cigarettes containing CBD (cannabidiol) are also banned.
Any charitable activities, including fundraising on online platforms, require authorisation from the UAE authorities.
Media representatives wishing to work on the territory of the United Arab Emirates must first obtain permission. Failure to do so may result in a fine or imprisonment.
Particularly strict rules apply to women. They may wear a swimsuit only on the beach or at a swimming pool. Regular clothing must cover the shoulders and knees.
Doing so without the owner's permission may constitute grounds for criminal prosecution.
This violation of this rule carries a fine of 100 dirhams (approximately $27).
There are a number of rules to observe when in the water:
In order to ensure safety for tourists in Dubai, municipal services have established three public beaches where swimming after dark is permitted: in the Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, and Umm Suqeim 1 districts. All the necessary conditions for this have been created there.
Almost every tourist who visits the country wants to experience the desert. Here are a few simple rules to help you avoid any problems:
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When travelling to Dubai, bear in mind that it is generally very hot there. Be sure to bring sun cream, drink plenty of water, and try to stay in the shade. Sunglasses and a hat are also advisable. In summer, the hottest part of the day in Dubai falls between 11 AM and 3 PM.
When discussing safety for tourists in Dubai, one immediately wants to single out the Downtown area, which includes the famous Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. This area is under police patrol and is well lit at night. An excellent place for foreign tourists to stay in Dubai.
An area home to upmarket restaurants and hotels, and the centre of Dubai's nightlife. A district that combines comfortable conditions for living and leisure, picturesque scenery, and a safe environment for foreign visitors to the United Arab Emirates.
A prestigious district in the central part of Dubai, with grand architecture and premium shops; it is one of the safest places to stay in the UAE. It offers an interesting combination of comfort, tranquillity, and tourist activity.
The world-famous Burj Al Arab hotel and Wild Wadi Waterpark attract both local residents and numerous tourists alike. This constant bustle of people provides an additional guarantee of safety. The hotels located there have their own security services, which further reduces risks for foreigners.
If you have been unable to avoid trouble, respond to the situation promptly, bearing in mind the possible legal consequences of your actions.
Use the following telephone numbers:
Give the exact address, describe the situation (assault, fire, seizure), and mention any potential threats.
While waiting for help to arrive:
Bear in mind: panic will not lead to anything good; keep calm and composed.
If you find yourself dealing with legal matters:
Standard travel insurance policies do not cover acts of war; however, if the cancellation occurred through the fault of the tour operator (that is, non-provision of services), the liability lies with the operator, not the insurer.
We strongly advise you to:
Download the DCAS SOS app. This will allow you to call for an ambulance quickly in Dubai. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Through it, you can send an SOS signal, enabling medics to identify your location.
Your passport or a paper copy of it. It is required when visiting shopping centres, embankments, beaches, and large events. Keep copies of your international and domestic passports, as well as your insurance policy, on hand.
Do not violate local customs, observe the laws of the country you are in, pay attention to your surroundings, and your holiday in the UAE will leave only pleasant memories.
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