Travel Safety in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been directly impacted by the ongoing conflict in Iran and the broader Middle East region. Drones, rockets, and missiles emanating from Iran have targeted oil infrastructure, Dubai International Airport, military bases and Western-associated structures such as hotels.

This has been accompanied by increased risks of civil unrest, conflict and terrorism, and could yet place strain on medical infrastructure. Travellers should monitor the potential for terrorist incidents targeting interests associated with the United States and the potential that Iran will engage the UAE in direct conflict.

Ordinarily, the main concern to foreign travellers is the country’s conservative Islamic governance and judicial system, which imposes significant restrictions on visitors. These restrictions are particularly relevant to female and LGBTQ+ travellers who could face both legal and societal recriminations for transgressing local laws and cultural norms. Petty crime is not common, but does take place in urban centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Violent crime is rare. Demonstrations are illegal and those that do occur are quickly brought to an end by security forces. The risk of kidnapping is negligible. Due to the availability of private medical facilities, the quality of medical health care is adequate, particularly in major cities.