Overall Safety Rating
The UAE consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. With extremely low crime rates, efficient law enforcement, and a tourist-friendly environment, visitors can feel secure throughout their stay.
Crime Statistics
- Violent crime: Extremely rare for tourists. UAE has one of the lowest violent crime rates globally
- Petty theft: Uncommon but can happen in crowded tourist areas. Keep valuables secure
- Scams: Rare. Most taxi drivers, shop owners, and service providers are honest
- Pickpocketing: Very rare compared to European cities. Still, stay aware in busy malls and markets
Why UAE is So Safe
- Strict law enforcement: Zero tolerance for crime with severe penalties
- Extensive CCTV coverage: Most public areas are monitored
- High police presence: Regular patrols in tourist areas
- Wealthy population: High standard of living reduces economic crime motivation
- Cultural values: Strong emphasis on hospitality and respect
Pro Tip: You can safely walk around Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, or Abu Dhabi Corniche at midnight. Many tourists are surprised at how safe they feel compared to major Western cities. That said, always stay aware of your surroundings as you would anywhere.
Emergency Contacts & Services
UAE has world-class emergency response systems with English-speaking operators and fast response times.
Essential Emergency Numbers
- 999: Police, Ambulance, Fire (unified emergency number)
- 998: Ambulance (direct line in some emirates)
- 997: Fire department (direct line)
- 901: Non-emergency police (for reporting minor issues)
- 996: Electricity and water emergency
Response Times
- Police: Usually 5-10 minutes in urban areas
- Ambulance: 8-15 minutes average in cities
- Fire services: 5-10 minutes in urban areas
Your Embassy Contact
- Save your embassy/consulate number before traveling
- Most embassies located in Abu Dhabi, consulates in Dubai
- They can help with lost passports, legal issues, or emergencies
- Available 24/7 for emergency situations
Pro Tip: Save these emergency numbers in your phone immediately upon arrival. Also add your embassy's emergency hotline and your travel insurance emergency number.
Healthcare & Medical Safety
UAE boasts excellent healthcare facilities with internationally trained doctors and modern equipment. However, medical care is expensive for those without insurance.
Healthcare Quality
- Hospitals: World-class facilities, many JCI-accredited (international standard)
- Doctors: Internationally trained, many speak English fluently
- Pharmacies: Widely available, well-stocked, knowledgeable pharmacists
- Medical tourism: UAE is a destination for medical procedures due to high quality
Major Hospitals
- Dubai: Dubai Hospital, Rashid Hospital, American Hospital, Mediclinic
- Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, NMC Royal Hospital
- Sharjah: University Hospital Sharjah, Al Qassimi Hospital
Health Considerations
- Heat: Summer temperatures 40-50°C (104-122°F). Heat stroke risk is real
- Sun exposure: Very intense sun year-round. Sunscreen essential (SPF 50+)
- Hydration: Drink water constantly, especially if outdoors
- Air conditioning: Can cause cold symptoms from temperature shifts
- Food safety: Generally excellent. Restaurants follow strict hygiene standards
Travel Insurance - ESSENTIAL
- Medical costs: Can be AED 500-1,500 for simple consultation without insurance
- Emergency surgery: Can cost AED 50,000-200,000+ without coverage
- Ambulance: AED 1,500-3,000 per trip without insurance
- Get insurance that covers: Medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation
Important: Do NOT skip travel insurance for UAE. While healthcare is excellent, it's extremely expensive without coverage. A simple hospital visit can cost what you paid for your entire trip.
Common Scams & Tourist Traps
While UAE is very safe, a few scams targeting tourists do exist. They're rare but good to know about.
Taxi Scams (Rare)
- Long-routing: Driver takes longer route to increase fare
- Broken meter: Claims meter broken, wants fixed price (usually inflated)
- Prevention: Use Uber/Careem, or use Google Maps to follow route
- Note: Most Dubai taxis are honest. This is uncommon but happens occasionally
Shopping Scams
- Gold souk overpricing: Inflated prices for tourists in some shops
- Prevention: Compare prices, shop at reputable dealers, check karat markings
- Fake luxury goods: Some markets sell counterfeit branded items
- Electronics scams: Older models sold as new, missing warranties
Tour Package Scams
- Street tour sellers: Aggressive selling of overpriced desert safari packages
- Prevention: Book tours through hotel concierge or established operators online
- Hidden costs: Tours that add unexpected fees for "extras"
- Tip: Read reviews on TripAdvisor before booking any tour
Restaurant/Bar Scams
- Cover charges: Upscale clubs/bars may have undisclosed cover charges
- Menu price tricks: Showing menu without prices, inflating bill
- Prevention: Always ask for menu with prices, check bill carefully
Pro Tip: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be pressured into immediate decisions. Legitimate businesses will give you time to think and compare.
Safety for Women Travelers
UAE is considered one of the safest countries for solo women travelers. Harassment is rare and taken seriously by authorities.
What Makes UAE Safe for Women
- Low harassment rates: Catcalling and street harassment are uncommon
- Strict laws: Harassment carries severe penalties including jail time and deportation
- Women-only spaces: Ladies' taxis, metro cars, beach sections available
- Night safety: Safe to walk alone at night in tourist areas
Practical Tips for Women
- Dress modestly outside beach resorts (covered shoulders, knees covered)
- Use ladies' metro car during rush hours if uncomfortable in mixed cars
- Request ladies' taxi - pink roof lights indicate women-only cabs
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave or call for help
- Avoid isolated areas late at night, as you would anywhere
If You Experience Harassment
- Report immediately to police (999) - they take it seriously
- Shopping malls have security who will help immediately
- Hotels take guest safety very seriously, report to reception
- Take photos/videos if safe to do so for evidence
Pro Tip: Many solo female travelers report UAE feels safer than their home countries. The combination of cultural conservatism and strict law enforcement creates a secure environment. That said, normal travel safety practices still apply.
Staying Legally Safe
UAE laws are different from Western countries. Understanding key laws helps you avoid serious trouble.
Absolute No-Nos (Serious Legal Consequences)
- Drugs: Zero tolerance. Even trace amounts can lead to 4+ years in prison
- Drug trafficking: Can result in death penalty
- Photography of people without permission: Can be illegal, especially women/children
- Photography of government/military: Illegal and can lead to arrest
- Public displays of affection: Kissing in public can lead to arrest and deportation
- Unmarried couples: Technically illegal to share hotel room, rarely enforced but possible
Prescription Medications
- Many common medications are controlled substances in UAE
- Bring prescription and doctor's letter for any medications
- Check UAE embassy website before traveling with medication
- Codeine, ADHD medications, some sleeping pills are prohibited
Social Media & Speech
- Defamation laws: Criticizing UAE, royal families, or Islam can lead to arrest
- Social media posts: Can be prosecuted even after leaving UAE
- VPN usage: Technically illegal for certain purposes, rarely enforced for tourists
- Photography: Never post photos of Emiratis without clear permission
Critical Warning: UAE monitors social media. Do not post anything negative about the country, government, or Islam while in UAE or after leaving. Multiple tourists have been arrested at the airport upon return for old social media posts.
Natural Hazards & Environmental Safety
Heat & Sun
- Peak danger: June-August when temperatures hit 45-50°C (113-122°F)
- Heat stroke symptoms: Dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, hot dry skin
- Prevention: Stay indoors 12pm-4pm, drink 3+ liters water daily, wear sunscreen
- Children & elderly: Extra vulnerable to heat, monitor carefully
Desert Activities Safety
- Never go into desert alone without proper equipment and GPS
- Desert safaris: Use established operators only, check safety record
- Sandstorms: Reduce visibility to zero. Stay indoors if sandstorm warning
- Desert wildlife: Snakes and scorpions exist. Watch where you sit/step
Water Safety
- Beach swimming: Generally safe at designated beaches with lifeguards
- Currents: Can be strong in certain areas. Follow lifeguard warnings
- Jellyfish: Occasional blooms. Vinegar available at lifeguard stations
- Water sports: Use licensed operators, ensure safety equipment provided
Traffic Safety
- Fast drivers: UAE roads have aggressive driving culture
- Pedestrian crossings: Always use designated crossings and signals
- Wear seatbelts: Mandatory and enforced with heavy fines
- If renting car: Drive defensively, expect sudden lane changes
Pro Tip: Download weather apps and check forecasts daily. Summer heat is not to be underestimated - tourists have died from heat stroke. If you feel dizzy or nauseous in the heat, get into air conditioning immediately and drink water.