Uae Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Uae.
Healthcare System
The UAE has a modern, world-class healthcare system with state-of-the-art facilities in major cities. Healthcare is a mix of public and private providers, with private hospitals often preferred by tourists and expatriates for shorter wait times and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Major international hospitals include American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic City Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Burjeel Hospital. Most large hotels can arrange medical appointments. Emergency rooms accept walk-ins but expect high costs without insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available in cities and malls, often open late. Many Western medications are available but may have different brand names. Some medications require prescriptions that may not be valid from other countries. Controlled substances and some common medications (including certain pain relievers and cold medicines) are strictly regulated or banned.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended and may be mandatory for certain visa types. Medical costs are very high without insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions for any medications, as customs are strict about controlled substances
- Many common medications containing codeine, diazepam, or other controlled substances are illegal in the UAE—check before traveling
- Private healthcare requires upfront payment or insurance guarantee before treatment
- Keep all medical receipts and documentation for insurance claims
- Pharmacists can provide advice for minor ailments and recommend over-the-counter treatments
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) regulate healthcare standards
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are relatively rare but can occur in crowded tourist areas, souks, and shopping malls. The UAE has strict penalties for theft, which acts as a strong deterrent.
Road accidents are a significant risk in the UAE due to high speeds, aggressive driving, and frequent lane changes. The country has one of the higher traffic fatality rates globally despite modern roads.
Extreme heat during summer months (40-50°C/104-122°F) can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and severe dehydration. Humidity compounds the danger, especially in coastal areas.
Tourists can face arrest, fines, or deportation for violating local laws and customs, including public displays of affection, alcohol consumption in unauthorized areas, inappropriate dress, photography restrictions, and offensive social media posts.
Desert activities carry risks including getting lost, dehydration, sandstorms, and injuries from dune bashing or camel riding.
Strong currents, jellyfish, and occasional shark sightings pose risks. Drowning incidents occur, particularly among inexperienced swimmers.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some unlicensed or dishonest taxi drivers may claim the meter is broken and quote inflated prices, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Some vendors in gold markets may misrepresent the weight or purity of gold items, or use rigged scales.
Counterfeit luxury goods are sold at markets and some shops, sometimes at prices suggesting they're genuine.
Unlicensed operators may offer cheap desert safaris but then charge hidden fees for activities, provide poor service, or operate unsafe vehicles.
Unauthorized money changers or some exchange offices may offer attractive rates but short-change customers or use sleight of hand.
Individuals befriend tourists (often in bars or online) and later request money for emergencies, or lead them to expensive clubs with inflated bills.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Cultural and Legal Compliance
- Dress modestly in public: cover shoulders and knees; avoid tight or revealing clothing, especially in traditional areas and government buildings
- Public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) can result in arrest—maintain appropriate distance in public
- Never consume alcohol outside licensed venues (hotels, restaurants, clubs); public intoxication is illegal and can lead to arrest
- Avoid swearing, rude gestures, or offensive behavior—these can result in legal action
- Respect prayer times and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially Emirati women; avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and airports
- Homosexual acts are illegal; LGBTQ+ travelers should avoid public displays and exercise discretion
- Cohabitation outside marriage is technically illegal, though enforcement varies; some hotels may ask for marriage certificates
- Adultery and sex outside marriage are illegal and can lead to prosecution
- Be extremely cautious with social media posts; insulting the UAE, its leaders, or Islam can result in arrest
Medication and Substances
- Check if your prescription medications are legal in the UAE before traveling—many common drugs are banned
- Carry a doctor's letter and prescription for all medications; keep them in original packaging
- Zero tolerance for drugs: even trace amounts can lead to mandatory prison sentences
- Certain over-the-counter medications (containing codeine, pseudoephedrine) are controlled or banned
- CBD products and hemp-derived items are illegal despite being legal elsewhere
- Declare all medications at customs to avoid issues
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis (cream-colored) or ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- Always wear seatbelts; it's mandatory and strictly enforced
- Be extremely cautious when driving; speed limits are enforced by extensive camera networks
- Avoid driving during sandstorms or heavy rain due to poor visibility and slippery roads
- Metro and public transportation are safe, modern, and reliable in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- If renting a car, ensure you have proper international driving permits and comprehensive insurance
- Never drink and drive—there is zero tolerance with severe penalties including imprisonment
Money and Valuables
- UAE is largely cashless; credit cards are widely accepted
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- ATMs are safe and widely available; use machines in banks or malls
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents separate from originals
- Be discreet with expensive jewelry and electronics in crowded areas
- Verify exchange rates before changing money; use official exchange houses
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms or directly with hotels
- Verify hotel safety features: smoke detectors, emergency exits, and room safes
- Keep your room locked at all times and use the door chain
- Be aware that some hotels may require proof of marriage for couples sharing rooms
- Store valuables in room or hotel safes
- Know emergency exit locations and procedures
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink in major cities, though bottled water is widely preferred
- Food hygiene standards are generally high in restaurants and hotels
- Be cautious with street food during hot months due to heat exposure
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Most restaurants meet international hygiene standards; look for hygiene ratings
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; available at airports and shops
- WiFi is widely available in hotels, malls, and cafes
- Download offline maps before traveling to desert or remote areas
- Save emergency contacts in your phone
- Learn basic Arabic phrases for emergencies, though English is widely spoken
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
Desert and Outdoor Activities
- Never venture into the desert alone; always use reputable tour operators
- Inform someone of your itinerary when doing outdoor activities
- Carry extra water (minimum 2 liters per person) for any outdoor activity
- Wear appropriate footwear for desert terrain to avoid injuries
- Check weather forecasts before outdoor excursions
- Avoid outdoor activities during extreme heat hours (11am-4pm in summer)
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
The UAE is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, with low rates of harassment and violent crime. Women can move freely, drive, and travel independently. However, cultural norms differ significantly from Western countries, and modest dress and behavior are expected. Women should be prepared for occasional staring, particularly in more traditional areas, though aggressive harassment is rare and illegal.
- Dress modestly in public: cover shoulders, avoid low necklines, and wear skirts/shorts that cover knees; beachwear is only appropriate at beaches and pools
- Carry a light scarf to cover shoulders when entering mosques or government buildings
- Avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark; stick to well-lit, populated areas
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Be aware that some cultural norms prohibit physical contact between men and women; a handshake may be refused by some local men
- Women-only sections are available on Dubai Metro (first carriage) and some public spaces
- Solo dining is perfectly acceptable and common in restaurants and cafes
- Avoid excessive eye contact with men, as it may be misinterpreted
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; keep your drink in sight and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Some gyms, beaches, and spas offer women-only hours or facilities
- Report any harassment to police immediately; authorities take such complaints seriously
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Keep your hotel room number private and meet new acquaintances in public spaces
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE under federal law, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and deportation. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise extreme discretion at all times; avoid any public displays of affection
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity publicly or on social media while in the UAE
- Be aware that hotel staff may question unmarried same-sex couples sharing rooms; book separate beds or rooms if concerned
- Avoid LGBTQ+-related apps and websites, as they may be monitored
- Remove any LGBTQ+ identifiers from social media profiles that could be viewed in the UAE
- Do not wear clothing or accessories with rainbow flags or LGBTQ+ symbols
- Be cautious about whom you trust with personal information
- Understand that there are no LGBTQ+ venues, events, or support services
- Cross-dressing or gender non-conforming presentation can result in arrest
- Consider whether the UAE is an appropriate destination given the legal risks and lack of rights
- Register with your embassy and know how to contact them in case of legal issues
- Ensure travel insurance covers legal assistance, though coverage may be limited for illegal activities
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting the UAE due to extremely high medical costs, potential legal issues requiring assistance, and the need for emergency evacuation coverage. Medical treatment without insurance can cost thousands of dollars even for minor issues. Some visa types now require proof of health insurance with minimum coverage amounts.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries