Middle East

Is United Arab Emirates safe?

Capital: Abu DhabiArabic, Persian, English, HindiUpdated October 2026

L3Reconsider travel

Is United Arab Emirates safe?

Very low street crime and well-policed cities. The real risks are regional: Iranian strikes on US-linked sites across the Gulf since July 2026 can close airspace suddenly.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-08-28.
Homicide rate: 0.7 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 8.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997.
Solo women: Generally safe for solo women, including at night; Dubai Metro has women-only cabins and pink-roof women's taxis exist. Cover shoulders and knees in malls.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Short-notice airspace closures from 2026 Iran-related strikes
Extreme summer heat, 45 °C and above
Fast, aggressive highway driving
Severe penalties for drugs, behaviour and online posts

Common scams

Phishing texts about unpaid traffic fines or parcels
Rental listings demanding deposits before a viewing or contract

Laws visitors break by accident

Drinking or being drunk in public is illegal everywhere; Sharjah bans alcohol entirely. Legal age is 21.
Even trace amounts of drugs, including cannabis or some CBD products, mean prison: minimum three months.
Swearing, rude gestures (also online), public kissing and photographing people without consent can mean jail or deportation.

Safety by place in United Arab Emirates

Place	Safety
Ajman	5/5 · Very safe
Al Ain	5/5 · Very safe
Dubai	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Abu Dhabi	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Sharjah	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Ras Al Khaimah	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Fujairah	4/5 · Safe with normal care

Quick answers

Is United Arab Emirates safe for tourists?

Very low street crime and well-policed cities. The real risks are regional: Iranian strikes on US-linked sites across the Gulf since July 2026 can close airspace suddenly.

Is United Arab Emirates safe for solo female travelers?

Generally safe for solo women, including at night; Dubai Metro has women-only cabins and pink-roof women's taxis exist. Cover shoulders and knees in malls.

What is the emergency number in United Arab Emirates?

Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.