UAE Travel Safety: What Every Visitor Should Know

Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? The country offers stunning skylines, luxury shopping, and desert adventures, but it also has rules that are different from what you might be used to. Knowing the basics can keep your vacation fun and trouble‑free. Below are the most useful safety tips you can put into practice the moment you step off the plane.

Legal Basics and Public Conduct

The UAE has strict laws on public behavior, especially around alcohol, dress code, and photography. Drinking is only allowed in licensed venues like hotels, bars and private clubs. If you’re caught drinking in a public place, you could face a fine or even detention. Dress modestly in public areas—women should cover shoulders and knees, and men should avoid sleeveless tops in traditional neighborhoods.

Photography is another gray area. Take pictures of people only with permission, and avoid snapping government buildings, military sites, or police stations. Even a quick selfie near a police car can be misunderstood and lead to a long wait for explanations.

Scams, Transportation, and Nightlife

Scams targeting tourists are rare but do happen, especially around popular spots like Dubai Marina and the Mall of the Emirates. Common tricks include inflated taxi fares and fake “tour guide” offers. Always use official taxi apps like Careem or Uber, and check that the meter is running if you hop into a street‑side cab. For longer trips, the metro is cheap, reliable, and fully monitored.

When you head out at night, stick to well‑known venues and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. The nightlife scene in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be lively, but many clubs enforce a strict dress code and ID check. Carry a copy of your passport (never the original) and keep your credit cards in a secure place.

If you need to contact someone quickly, know the emergency number 999 for police and 998 for ambulance. The UAE also has a robust cyber‑crime law, so avoid sharing personal details or banking info over WhatsApp or unverified websites. Using official platforms for any online transactions reduces the risk of fraud.

Finally, respect local customs. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and it’s illegal to possess or use drugs—including prescription medication that contains any controlled substance—without proper documentation. A simple mistake can turn a great holiday into a legal hassle.

By keeping these points in mind, you’ll enjoy the UAE’s modern comforts and cultural richness without unnecessary interruptions. Stay aware, stay respectful, and your trip will be as smooth as the Burj Khalifa’s glass façade.