United Arab Emirates Travel Safety

Road safety

Accidents are common. Drifting sands may create hazards, and limited visibility during sand storms increases the risk of accidents. Do not drive off-road unless you are in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. Leave your travel itinerary with a third party. Ensure you are well-prepared with a sufficient supply of gasoline, water and food, and a cell phone. Use only officially marked taxis with meters. Avoid shared or service taxis.

Regional travel

The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar. All air and sea points of entry between UAE and Qatar have been closed. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on travel and residence for UAE and Qatari citizens. If you are planning to travel between the UAE and Qatar, verify your travel plans with your airline or travel company.

Marine transportation

Iran and the United Arab Emirates each claim sovereignty over islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs. Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, particularly around the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs.

Women's safety

Although it is rare, women have been verbally harassed and physically assaulted. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Women should travel in groups. Women have been detained when reporting sexual assault, as they must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged.

Fraud

Fraudulent practices, such as writing cheques without sufficient funds and failing to pay your debts, are considered extremely serious offences and may result in criminal prosecution, imprisonment and fines. Penalties are generally assessed according to Sharia. Bail is available only for UAE residents. Temporary release pending legal action may be granted in minor cases if the passport of the accused and the passport of the guarantor are surrendered to the authorities.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare. Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, occurs. Lock car doors at all times. Ensure that your personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not agree to carry anyone else's packages, especially across borders. Cyber attacks are common.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in the country. Terrorist groups have indicated their intention to target the country. Attacks could occur at any time and could target government buildings, military interests, places of worship, schools, transportation hubs and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places, exercise caution in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial and tourist areas), monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Dress and behaviour

The country's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in UAE culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

All homosexual sex is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognised. The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected, although there have been some reports of individuals being punished for homosexual activity and/or sexual activity outside marriage, particularly where there is any public element, or the behaviour has caused offence. This applies both to expatriate residents and to tourists.

Illegal or restricted activities

Importing pork products and pornography into the UAE is illegal. Some skincare products and E-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal. Cross-dressing is illegal. All sex outside marriage is illegal. If the UAE authorities become aware that you're conducting a sexual relationship outside marriage (as recognised by them), you run the risk of prosecution, imprisonment and/or a fine and deportation.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. You must report all accidents to the police. Procedures to follow in the event of a car accident vary depending on the emirate in which the accident occurs. For example, you may be permitted to move your car to the side of the road in the event of an accident or you must wait to move until the police arrive. You should, therefore, familiarize yourself with the rules of the emirate(s) in which you are driving. Drivers involved in an accident resulting in injuries may be jailed until the injured are released from hospital. In an accident resulting in fatalities, compensation is often awarded to the family of the deceased. Relatively minor accidents may lead to lengthy court proceedings.