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.
UAE operates a dual public-private healthcare system with excellent facilities concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai, and Saudi German Hospital Dubai accept international insurance and provide emergency services
24-hour pharmacies attached to major hospitals. Common medications like paracetamol and antibiotics available over the counter
Mandatory for all visitors on tourist visas. Proof required at immigration
- ✓ Carry prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter
- ✓ Download the MOHAP UAE app for locating the nearest government hospital
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F) from May through September
Many medications legal elsewhere are controlled substances in UAE
High-speed driving on Sheikh Zayed Road and between emirates
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists near Dubai Mall or Abu Dhabi Marina Mall offering desert safaris at 50% below market rate, then disappear with payment
Shops in Deira Gold Souk quote 22-carat prices for 18-carat gold, or add making charges up to 300% above actual rates
Small rental agencies claim pre-existing scratches weren't documented, charging inflated repair fees against credit card deposits
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • During Ramadan, eating or drinking in public during daylight hours carries fines up to 2,000 AED
- • Photography of government buildings, military sites, or local women without permission is prohibited
- • Swim only at beaches with lifeguards displaying red-yellow flags; Jumeirah Beach and Corniche Beach have designated swimming zones
- • Jellyfish season runs May through July. Vinegar stations provided at major beaches
- • Only consume alcohol at licensed venues like Jumeirah hotels or Dubai Marina restaurants. Being drunk in public spaces carries jail time
- • Zero-tolerance drunk driving laws with immediate deportation for tourists
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
UAE ranks among the safest destinations for solo women travelers in the Gulf region, with dedicated women-only metro cars and pink taxis
- → Use women-only sections on Dubai Metro marked with pink signs during rush hours
- → Hotel staff will arrange female taxi drivers through the pink-roofed cars upon request
Same-sex relationships are illegal under federal law with penalties including deportation and imprisonment
- → Book twin beds rather than doubles when staying outside international hotel chains
- → Avoid public displays of affection in malls, beaches, or restaurants regardless of gender pairing
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Medical treatment costs at UAE's private hospitals can exceed mid-range European prices, and emergency evacuation to home countries requires complete coverage
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