United Arab Emirates Safety Guide: Tips for a Safe Trip

Yes, the United Arab Emirates is generally safe for tourists, but current regional security conditions and strict local laws require extra awareness. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other major destinations have highly developed infrastructure, low levels of street crime and reliable emergency services, while travellers should monitor government advisories, respect local customs, protect valuables and purchase comprehensive insurance. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently advises Singaporeans to defer travel to the region because of the escalating Middle East security situation, so check the latest notice before departure. The UAE’s emergency numbers are police 999, ambulance 998 and fire or Civil Defence 997. Carry your insurer’s 24-hour assistance number, save your accommodation address offline and keep a charged phone available. For mobile data, Hello eSIM for the United Arab Emirates can provide connectivity on arrival, while the Hello app also supports trip planning, budget tracking and multi-currency expense splitting.

The UAE is usually a low-crime destination, but travellers are safest when they combine ordinary precautions with careful respect for local law. Petty theft can occur in crowded places such as Dubai Mall, Deira markets, metro stations and airport terminals, although violent street crime is uncommon in tourist areas. Keep passports and spare cards in a hotel safe, use licensed taxis or official ride-hailing services, and avoid leaving phones or bags visible in parked vehicles. Never photograph government buildings, military sites, airports, demonstrations or people without permission; photography-related complaints can become serious legal matters. Public arguments, aggressive gestures, swearing, disorderly conduct, alcohol-related behaviour and damage to property may attract police attention. Dress modestly in shopping centres, traditional neighbourhoods and religious sites, and ask before photographing residents. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in inappropriate public settings during daylight hours, and follow venue guidance. Do not carry recreational drugs, CBD products or medication without checking UAE requirements; drug laws are exceptionally strict and can apply to trace amounts. Travellers should also monitor weather and local authority announcements, particularly during sandstorms, extreme summer heat or regional security alerts.

Most visitor scams in the UAE are preventable: use regulated services, confirm prices before agreeing and never transfer money to strangers. Common problems include unofficial taxi offers at airports, inflated private-tour prices, fake accommodation or visa websites, counterfeit investment opportunities, romance scams and unsolicited messages claiming that a bank account, parcel or immigration record needs urgent payment. At airports, follow official taxi signage and use the metered service or a clearly identified booking desk. Before a desert safari, yacht trip or city tour, confirm the company name, inclusions, cancellation terms, pickup point and total price in writing. Be wary of “free” attraction tickets that require card details, fake charity requests and people asking to borrow your phone or use your banking app. If paying by card, check the amount on the terminal and keep receipts; the Hello app can scan receipts in multiple languages and currencies, categorise spending and split group costs using automatic exchange-rate conversion. Never share one-time passwords, passport scans or banking credentials through unsolicited links. If a dispute occurs, move to a public place, contact your bank promptly and report suspected fraud to UAE police on 999.

Save emergency contacts before landing because UAE response services are straightforward, while consular support cannot replace police, medical or fire assistance. Dial 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for Civil Defence or fire. Give the operator your exact location, building name, hotel, road or nearest landmark; Dubai and Abu Dhabi addresses can be easier to identify using a map pin. Singaporeans can contact the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi at +971 2 222 2083 or the Singapore Consulate-General in Dubai at +971 4 321 9498; the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office is available 24 hours at +65 6379 8800 or +65 6379 8855. The embassy’s published Abu Dhabi address is 11 Al Nawal Street, Al Manhal, and the Dubai consulate is in Al Satwa. Medical facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are modern, but private treatment can be expensive and payment or insurance guarantees may be requested. Keep prescriptions in original packaging and carry a doctor’s letter for controlled or restricted medicines. Download offline maps and store your policy number, embassy details and accommodation address in your phone. An active Hello eSIM can help you call, navigate and contact insurers without relying on hotel Wi-Fi.

Most healthy visitors need routine vaccinations rather than special UAE vaccines, but a pre-travel medical appointment and serious heat precautions are essential. The UK government advises checking vaccine recommendations at least eight weeks before travel; ensure routine immunisations such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles and influenza are current. Yellow-fever vaccination proof may be required for travellers arriving from specified affected countries, so check entry rules based on your itinerary. Drink bottled or reliably treated water if you have a sensitive stomach; tap water is treated, but building tanks and personal tolerance can vary. In summer, temperatures can exceed 40°C, making heat exhaustion and dehydration real risks. Drink regularly, limit midday outdoor activity, wear lightweight clothing and use high-SPF sunscreen. Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked car. At beaches and hotel pools, swim only in designated areas, follow lifeguard instructions and take care with currents, intense sun and water-sports equipment. Desert excursions require reputable operators, seat belts and adequate water. Travel insurance should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, pre-existing conditions, adventure activities and cancellation caused by official travel warnings. Confirm exclusions for heat-related illness, alcohol-related incidents and undeclared medical conditions before buying.

Solo women and families commonly travel around Dubai and Abu Dhabi comfortably, but LGBTQ+ travellers and everyone else must understand that UAE laws and social expectations are more conservative than in many destinations. Solo female travellers should use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services, share their itinerary with someone at home and choose well-reviewed accommodation near transport. Women-only metro carriages and designated taxi options may be available in some locations; follow signs rather than assuming access. Avoid isolated beaches, poorly lit areas and accepting drinks or rides from strangers. Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised in the UAE, and public displays of affection or gender-nonconforming behaviour may create legal or social risks. LGBTQ+ visitors should consider their personal circumstances carefully, avoid public affection, review current official advice and maintain privacy on dating apps. Unmarried couples should also understand that sexual conduct and public intimacy can have legal consequences, even though hotels routinely accommodate international visitors. Families should supervise children near roads, fountains, pools and desert activities, and use approved child restraints. During Ramadan and at religious sites, dress and behaviour expectations are more visible. A respectful approach—quiet public conduct, modest clothing and asking permission before photography—reduces avoidable problems for all travellers.

The UAE is a practical destination for many visitors, but the safest trip depends on checking current advisories and following local rules.

Is the United Arab Emirates safe for tourists? Generally, yes: major cities have strong infrastructure and low everyday street crime. However, Singapore’s current advisory urges Singaporeans to defer travel to the region because of escalating regional security conditions. Recheck official advice before departure and during your stay.

What are the United Arab Emirates emergency numbers? Call 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for fire or Civil Defence.

Can I drink alcohol in the UAE? Alcohol is available in licensed venues, but public intoxication, drinking in public and disorderly behaviour can lead to legal trouble. Never drive after drinking.

Is tap water safe? Treated tap water is generally available, but bottled or filtered water may be preferable for visitors with sensitive stomachs, especially outside modern hotels.

What insurance is best for a UAE trip? Choose a policy with high medical cover, evacuation, cancellation, baggage protection and declared pre-existing conditions. Add cover for desert driving, diving or other planned activities.

How can I stay connected? Buy and activate Hello eSIM for the United Arab Emirates before departure so maps, emergency calls and travel updates are available when you arrive; plans start from 5GB and current prices are shown live.