Dubai Travel Advisory: Staying Safe and Informed in 2024

Navigating international travel requires careful planning and awareness, especially concerning safety and security. As you consider Dubai for your next destination, understanding the current travel advisory is crucial. This guide, based on the latest travel information, provides a comprehensive overview to ensure a safe and informed trip to Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Understanding the Risk Level in Dubai

Currently, the travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution. This is primarily due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. While Dubai is known for its modern infrastructure and safety measures, it’s essential to stay vigilant and informed.

Safety and Security in Dubai: Key Concerns

Dubai, like other parts of the UAE, is situated in a region experiencing heightened tensions. This can lead to unforeseen security risks and potential travel disruptions.

Terrorism: A Persistent Threat

Terrorist groups have publicly expressed their intention to target the UAE, including popular destinations like Dubai. Attacks could occur at any time and may target locations frequented by tourists:

Government buildings and military sites
Places of worship
Airports, transportation hubs, and networks
Tourist attractions, shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels

Recommendations:

Stay Informed: Monitor local and international news for updates on the security situation.
Be Vigilant: Pay close attention to your surroundings in public places, especially during large events and holidays.
Follow Authorities’ Instructions: Cooperate with local authorities and security personnel at all times.

Missile and Drone Attacks: Regional Tensions

The UAE’s proximity to regional conflicts means there’s a risk of missile and drone attacks. Armed groups in the region have stated their intent to target the UAE, and drone attacks have occurred within UAE territory or been intercepted.

Potential Targets:

Urban areas
Military installations
Oil industry infrastructure
Airports

During an Attack:

Seek Shelter Immediately: Find a secure location indoors.
Stay Away from Windows and Doors: Protect yourself from potential debris.
Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to guidance from local authorities.

If You Encounter Debris:

Do Not Approach or Touch: Maintain a safe distance.
Move Away: Leave the area immediately.
Contact Authorities: Report the debris to local police.

Crime in Dubai: Petty Theft and Fraud

Dubai has a low crime rate, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Precautions:

Secure Belongings: Keep passports and valuables safe at all times.
Vehicle Security: Don’t leave items in plain sight in vehicles, and keep doors locked.
ATM Awareness: Use ATMs in well-lit, public areas and be cautious of card fraud.

Fraud and Scams: Protect Yourself

Fraud, including credit card scams, ATM fraud, and cybercrime, is a concern in Dubai.

Credit Card and ATM Fraud Prevention:

Monitor Card Handling: Watch your card when others handle it for payments.
Use Secure ATMs: Prefer ATMs in banks or well-lit areas.
Check for Skimmers: Avoid card readers that look unusual.
Shield PIN Entry: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Review Statements: Regularly check for unauthorized transactions.

Cybercrime:

Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Limit use of unsecured public networks.
Secure Websites: Only make purchases on encrypted (HTTPS) websites.
Social Media Caution: Be mindful of information shared online.
Online Meetings: Exercise caution when meeting people you’ve met online.

Telephone and Romance Scams:

Verify Callers: Be wary of calls from unknown numbers claiming to be authorities requesting personal information or funds.
Romance Scam Awareness: Be cautious of online relationships that quickly become serious and involve requests for money, especially before meeting in person.

Women’s Safety in Dubai: Awareness and Respect

While generally safe, women traveling alone in Dubai may experience harassment.

Important Considerations for Women:

Public Response to Harassment: Local authorities might not respond as expected to reports of sexual harassment or violence.
False Accusations: In some cases, women reporting sexual assault have faced legal charges themselves, needing to prove non-consent according to local laws.
Seek Canadian Assistance: Report any incidents to the nearest Canadian government office.

Safety Tips for Women:

Avoid Solo Travel at Night: Especially in less populated areas.
Be Cautious with Strangers: Exercise discretion with new acquaintances.
Dress Conservatively: Dress modestly to respect local customs.

Food and Drink Spiking: Stay Alert

There is a risk of drink spiking in Dubai.

Prevention:

Be Wary of Accepting Drinks: Don’t accept drinks or food from strangers or new acquaintances.
Never Leave Drinks Unattended: Keep your food and beverages with you at all times.

Water Activities: Exercise Caution

Dubai’s coastal waters can have dangerous rip currents.

Water Safety:

Swim in Safe Areas: Choose beaches with lifeguards and warning flags.
Use Reputable Companies: For scuba diving and water sports, select well-established operators.
Don’t Swim Alone or at Night: Swim during daylight hours and in marked areas.
Heed Local Advice: Consult locals or tour operators about hazards and safe swimming spots.
Monitor Weather: Pay attention to weather warnings.

Adventure Tourism: Plan Carefully

Desert adventures require careful planning.

Desert Expedition Safety:

Never Go Alone: Always travel with a group and experienced guides.
Use Reputable Guides: Hire guides from established companies.
4×4 Vehicle: Travel in appropriate vehicles.
Travel Insurance: Ensure coverage for medical evacuation, including helicopter rescue.
Physical Fitness: Be in good physical condition for the activity.
Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid venturing off established paths.
Proper Equipment and Supplies: Carry sufficient water and necessary gear.
Dehydration and Heatstroke Awareness: Know the symptoms and prevention.
Inform Someone of Itinerary: Leave your plans with a friend or family member.
Gather Activity Information: Be fully informed about the planned activity.

Road Safety in Dubai: Be Defensive

Road safety can be a concern, with accidents being common.

Driving Precautions:

Defensive Driving: Drive defensively and be aware of other drivers’ habits.
Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Plan Your Route: Familiarize yourself with your route before driving.
Carry a Cell Phone: Have a phone and charger in case of emergencies.
Emergency Numbers: Keep emergency contact numbers readily available.
Pedestrian Safety: Use designated crossings and be extremely cautious as a pedestrian.

Road Conditions:

Excellent Roads: Road quality is generally very good.
Hazardous Conditions: Sandstorms and fog can reduce visibility significantly.
Off-Road Driving: Avoid unless in a convoy with 4×4 vehicles and proper preparation.

Public Transportation in Dubai: Reliable and Modern

Dubai boasts a modern and efficient public transportation system.

Options:

Metro: The Dubai Metro is a fast and efficient way to travel around the city.
Buses: Public buses are modern and safe.
Taxis: Readily available and metered; ride-sharing apps are also reliable.
Women-Only Taxis: Pink taxis (Dubai) are available for women.

Taxi Tips:

Use Official Taxis: Opt for marked taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps.
Avoid Sharing Taxis with Strangers.
Negotiate Fares: For private taxis, agree on a fare beforehand.

Sea and Air Travel: Regional Considerations

Sea Travel:

Strait of Hormuz: Be aware of potential tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Air Travel:

Foreign Airline Safety: Safety standards of foreign domestic airlines may vary.

Dubai Entry and Exit Requirements

Entry and exit rules are set by the UAE government and can change.

Passport Validity

Six Months Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date to the UAE.

Visas

Tourist Visa: Not required for many nationalities for stays up to 30 days (check specific requirements based on your nationality).
Visa on Arrival: Eligible tourists receive a free 30-day entry stamp upon arrival, which can be extended once for another 30 days.
Business and Student Visas: Required; obtain before travel.

Health Entry Requirements

Medical Tests for Residency: Required for work or residency permits, including HIV and tuberculosis tests.
HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Entry with HIV/AIDS antiretroviral medication for personal use is prohibited and can lead to penalties.
Deportation for Certain Diseases: Positive tests for HIV or communicable diseases can result in detention, deportation, or mandatory treatment.

Exit Bans

Preventing Departure: UAE authorities can impose exit bans for various reasons, including legal investigations, financial disputes, or unpaid debts.
Passport Seizure: Your passport may be held until legal matters are resolved.
Legal Advice: Seek legal counsel if facing an exit ban.

Health in Dubai: Staying Well

Dubai has good healthcare facilities, but it’s important to be prepared for potential health risks.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations: Ensure all routine vaccines are up-to-date.
Hepatitis A & B: Vaccination recommended for all travelers.
COVID-19: Vaccination strongly recommended, check latest entry requirements.
Influenza: Annual flu vaccine advised.
Measles: Ensure you are protected against measles.
Rabies: Consider rabies vaccination if you plan to work with animals.
Typhoid: Vaccination recommended, especially for those visiting rural areas or for extended stays.

Food and Water Safety

Safe Food and Water: Practice strict food and water safety. “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!”
Avoid Contaminated Water: Be cautious with tap water and ice; opt for bottled water.
Hygiene: Wash hands frequently.

Insect Bite Prevention

Insect Repellent: Use repellent on exposed skin.
Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
Mosquito Nets: Use nets when sleeping in non-air-conditioned accommodations.
Chikungunya Risk: Be aware of chikungunya risk, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Animal Precautions

Avoid Animals: Limit contact with animals to prevent diseases like rabies and MERS.
MERS Risk: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is present; avoid contact with camels and camel products.

Person-to-Person Infections

Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, including handwashing and cough etiquette.
Avoid Crowds: Limit time in crowded spaces, especially if feeling unwell.
Safe Sex Practices: STIs, HIV, and mpox are concerns; practice safe sex.

Medication

Medication Legality: Check the legality of your prescription medications in the UAE.
Bring Sufficient Supply: Carry enough medication for your trip.
Original Containers: Keep medications in their original containers.
Carry Prescriptions: Have both paper and electronic copies of your prescriptions.

Medical Facilities

Good Medical Care: Available, especially in major cities like Dubai.
Private Facilities: Well-equipped private hospitals and clinics are available but can be expensive.
Travel Insurance: Essential to have comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation.

Laws and Culture in Dubai: Respecting Local Norms

Understanding and respecting local laws and customs is essential for a trouble-free visit to Dubai.

Legal System

Strict Laws: Penalties for offenses can be more severe than in Canada.
No Transfer Treaty: No treaty exists for transfer of offenders between Canada and UAE.
Legal Process Differences: UAE legal system differs significantly from Canadian.
Detention: Lengthy detention during investigations is common, possibly without immediate legal access.
Exit Bans: Possible during legal proceedings.

Demonstrations and Public Gatherings

Unauthorized Gatherings Prohibited: Demonstrations are rare and require prior authorization.
Severe Penalties: Participating in unauthorized gatherings can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.

Drug Laws: Zero Tolerance

Severe Penalties: Possession, use, or trafficking of drugs carries severe penalties, including death for trafficking.
Zero Tolerance Policy: Strict enforcement even for trace amounts of drugs.
Transit Passengers: Laws apply even to transit passengers.

Alcohol Consumption

Legal in Private/Licensed Venues: Alcohol consumption is legal in private homes and licensed establishments.
Public Intoxication Illegal: Drinking or being drunk in public is a punishable offense.

Medication Restrictions

Controlled Substances: Many common medications are controlled substances in the UAE.
Prior Permission Required: Need permission from the UAE Ministry of Health to bring in controlled medications.
Penalties for Banned Medications: Confiscation, fines, or jail for unauthorized medications.
Check Medication List: Consult the Ministry of Health’s list of controlled medicines.

2SLGBTQI+ Travelers

Criminalized Same-Sex Relations: Same-sex sexual acts and relationships are illegal.
Potential for Detention: 2SLGBTQI+ individuals can face detention and charges based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Severe Punishments: Fines, jail, corporal punishment, deportation, and even death penalty possible.
Consider Risks: 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks.

Dress and Behavior

Conservative Dress: Dress modestly in public places.
Public Affection: Avoid public displays of affection.
Respectful Behavior: Behave discreetly and respect local customs.
Social Media Awareness: Exercise caution on social media.
Photography Permission: Seek permission before photographing people.

Ramadan Observance

Ramadan Restrictions: During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours.

Religious Proselytism

Illegal: Religious proselytism is illegal.
Avoid Contradicting Islamic Teachings: Refrain from activities that challenge Islamic values.

Criticism of the UAE

Lèse-majesté Laws: Criticizing or disrespecting the UAE’s ruling families, political system, or institutions is illegal, including online comments.
Severe Punishment: Can lead to lengthy jail sentences.

Dual Citizenship

Recognized: Dual citizenship is legally recognized.
Limited Consular Assistance: Canadian consular services may be limited for dual citizens.
Entry/Exit Requirements: May be subject to different entry/exit rules.
Use Same Passport: Use the same passport for entry and exit to avoid issues.

Family Law

Islamic Law Basis: UAE family law is based on Islamic law.
Citizenship by Father: Children of Emirati fathers are automatically citizens.
Custody Rules: Custody typically awarded to mothers for young children, then fathers later.
Father’s Guardianship: Fathers usually granted legal guardianship rights.
Child Travel Restrictions: Fathers (guardians) can prevent children from leaving the UAE.

Cohabitation Outside Marriage

Decriminalized (Mostly): Heterosexual cohabitation and sex outside marriage decriminalized in most emirates (except Sharjah) for non-Muslim foreigners.
Societal Views: May still be viewed negatively by some in Emirati society.
Extramarital Sex Still Illegal in Some Cases: Can be illegal if a complaint is made by a husband or guardian.

Online Behavior

Strict Online Laws: Laws related to online behavior are strict.
Defamatory Content: Comments deemed defamatory, antisocial, or culturally insensitive can be punished.
VPN Restrictions: Use of VPNs is restricted.
Influencer Licensing: Social media influencers need a UAE license.

Photography Restrictions

Prohibited Locations: Restrictions on photographing military sites, government buildings, and individuals without consent.
Seek Permission: Always verify if photography is allowed and request permission when photographing people.

Illegal Activities

Prostitution, Pornography, Bounced Checks, Pork (Sharjah), Littering, Spitting: These are illegal and punishable.

Imports and Exports

Strict Regulations: Firearms, ammunition, and body armor have strict import/export rules.

Fundraising

Regulated: Fundraising and charity activities are strictly regulated.
Authorized Charities Only: Donate only to government-approved charities.

Employment

Tourist Visa Restrictions: Working on a tourist visa is illegal.
Employer Sponsorship Required: Legal work requires employer sponsorship.
Passport Retention: Employers illegally retaining passports may occur; know your rights and do not relinquish your passport.

Driving Regulations

International Driving Permit: Required, except in Dubai where Canadian license is accepted for tourists.
Zero Tolerance for Drinking and Driving: Legal blood alcohol limit is zero.
Severe Penalties: Heavy fines, jail, vehicle confiscation for drunk driving.
Accident Procedures: Stay at the scene, don’t move vehicle, call police.
Travel Bans After Accidents: Possible travel ban until claims are settled, regardless of fault.

Money and Currency

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED).
ATMs and Credit Cards: Widely available in urban areas.
Cash for Small Businesses: Smaller businesses may prefer cash.
Currency Declaration: Declare amounts over AED 60,000 (or equivalent) when entering or leaving.

Natural Disasters and Climate in Dubai

Dubai’s climate and natural conditions present some risks.

Heat Waves

Extreme Heat: June to September is extremely hot and humid.
Dehydration and Heatstroke: Be aware of these risks.

Dust Storms

Sandstorms: Can occur anytime, especially in summer.
Driving Hazards: Reduced visibility; driving can be dangerous.
Respiratory Issues: Can worsen respiratory conditions.
Stay Indoors: During storms, stay inside and keep windows closed.

Drought and Flooding

Water Scarcity: UAE faces water crisis, leading to drought.
Flash Floods: Heavy rain in winter (Dec-Mar) can cause flash floods.
Travel Disruption: Floods can disrupt overland travel and services.
Monitor Weather: Stay updated on weather reports.

Fog

Winter Fog: Severe fog in winter can reduce visibility.
Transportation Delays: Expect travel delays due to fog.
Exercise Caution Driving: Drive carefully in foggy conditions.

Conclusion: Enjoy Dubai Safely

Dubai offers a unique travel experience, blending modernity with rich culture. By staying informed about the Dubai Travel Advisory and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember to respect local laws and customs, be vigilant in public spaces, and prioritize your health and safety throughout your visit. Always check for the most up-to-date travel advisories and information from your government before traveling.