Is it safe in Dubai?

Safety in Dubai 2024

Dubai is one of the best places for a peaceful holiday. Wide, sandy beaches, a large selection of luxury hotels, top attractions for adults and families with children, and the highest levels of safety. Did you know that Dubai is one of the safest places in the world? The wellbeing and safety of citizens and tourists is the number one goal for the city government. Whether you are going on holiday solo as a woman, flying with the whole family or with friends, you can feel safe in Dubai at any hour of the day or night, on the street or on the beach.

According to the latest 2024 rankings, Dubai is the 6th safest city in the world. In addition to Dubai, other cities from the United Arab Emirates such as Abu Dhabi and Ajman are in the lead. You don't need to pay attention to the safe neighbourhoods in Dubai when looking for accommodation, as the whole city is just as safe in equal measure. In many cities in Europe and North America, you need to look out for safe neighbourhoods to book accommodation in a quiet area. Dubai's safe neighbourhoods are the whole city, and you will be most comfortable in terms of safety in New Dubai.

Is Dubai safe for tourists?

All global statistics confirm that Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Low crime rates, friendly people and safe infrastructure. What are the safety rules in Dubai? Apart from a well-functioning police force and services, above all a culture of honesty among the people. If you are further wondering whether Dubai is safe, read about the city's crime statistics. 

Crime in Dubai 

Dubai's biggest problem when it comes to breaking the law is economic crime. It is impossible to experience them on city streets, so they are not dangerous from Dubai's perspective. According to information from one government website: ‘The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is among the countries with the lowest crime rate in the world. Common crime is a rare phenomenon.’ What are the crime rates in Dubai? Crime such as robbery in Dubai is practically non-existent. You can leave your phone on a table in a restaurant, forget about it, come back an hour later and it will be in the same place. Of course, with personal safety in mind in Dubai, it is better not to leave things unattended, but you can be sure that if you forget them, they will be safe. Are tourists safe in Dubai? Yes, even in the few cases of theft, the Dubai police can find the perpetrator in a few hours and return the stolen item to the owner.

Emergency numbers in Dubai

• Police 999
• Ambulance 998
• Fire Service/Civil Protection 997
• Coast Guard 996
• Find and rescue 995
• Electricity emergency 991
• Water Emergency 922
   

For your time in the UAE, it is worth downloading the Abu Dhabi Police-commissioned mobile app AD999 or the Dubai Police app Dubai Police (available on the App Store and Google Play). With these apps, you can efficiently report a fire, call an ambulance or instantly connect to an emergency hotline.

Dubai has a special police force for tourists. It deals with priority traveller issues such as lost handbags, wallets or phones. Protecting tourists in Dubai is so important that the tourist police have set up a special, separate hotline for such cases. If you lose your wallet or have a similar issue, you can call the toll-free number 901. The helpline is a 24-hour service, with alternatives such as the email address [email protected] or the Dubai Police smartphone app.
 

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Dubai safety tips

Travelling to Dubai for holidays and business is very safe. However, it is important to remember that bad luck can be had anywhere and to be protected in case of unforeseen situations. Safety in Dubai for tourists is all about local customs. Dubai's culture and laws are built on the principles of Islam and Arab tradition, combined with modern world culture. Dangerous situations can include when a tourist forgets what country they are in. Walking around a shopping mall in a bathing suit can end in a fine and, if you brawl and offend officials, even in prison. The situation is similar with alcohol. Alcohol is legal in Dubai and you can buy it in special shops, but being under the influence of alcohol and brawling can end in jail. So it is important to remember that it is very safe to be a tourist in Dubai, but you must be mindful of local customs and the prevailing culture in Dubai.

Advice for travellers to Dubai

Planning a holiday in Dubai and wondering about on-site safety? You already know that Dubai is one of the safest places in the world. But what can you do to feel comfortable and increase your safety while on holiday in Dubai? Remember things such as: don't leave phones or handbags unattended, don't put down backpacks or luggage when you plan to be away from them, alcohol is best consumed in hotel bars or in your hotel room. Stock up on sunscreen and a basic first aid kit in case of excessive heat hazards and remember to have travel insurance.

Climate hazards in Dubai 

Dubai experiences very high air temperatures for most of the year. Tourists who are sensitive to heat and have chronic illnesses should avoid visiting Dubai during the months of June to September, as temperatures rarely drop below 35°C then. Extremely high temperatures are also a danger to infants. Before your holiday, make sure that the impact of high temperatures does not have a negative impact on your health.

Dubai is increasingly affected by climate change. It rarely, but more often than before, rains in Dubai. It is not uncommon for heavy rains to block the city and cause mini-floods. During the winter months, be prepared for possible heavy rainfall and its associated hazards, i.e. lack of operation of public transport (metro, buses) and delayed deliveries from shops and restaurants, as well as interruptions to the most popular tourist attractions.

Health safety in Dubai 

You do not need to take any mandatory vaccinations before travelling to Dubai. There is no risk of common infectious or viral diseases such as dengue or malaria in Dubai. Health services are of a high and qualified standard. Water is better drunk bottled or boiled. There are plenty of doctors in Dubai who will see you for a small fee if you or your child is ill. Major medical treatments and medical transport are very expensive. It is worth taking out travel insurance with a high amount of medical expenses. You can contact your insurer whatever the time of day.

If you are bringing medicines to EDubai, remember that it should be a maximum of a three-month supply, and if you are taking drugs with narcotic effects - you can only bring a 1-month supply. You must have a prescription for any medication, especially non essential ones. If you are taking specific medications, be sure to check if they are restricted and require a special permit or, if they are banned in Dubai - list of medications banned in Dubai. 

Questions and answers (FAQs) 

• Is Dubai a safe place to holiday? 

Dubai is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. The threat of crime, sudden weather breakdowns or infrastructure danger is virtually nil. Dubai has been ranked as one of the safest cities in the world for years. There is no better destination for a safe family holiday.

• What safety measures are in place in Dubai? 

The most important security measures used in Dubai to protect residents and tourists are: constant police patrols and cameras at key tourist sites, a network of fast ambulances, the creation of a special tourist police force for the needs of visitors on holiday and security at the city's major tourist sights.

• What to do in the event of an emergency in Dubai? 

In the event of a health or life emergency, a report of theft or to contact the law enforcement services for an urgent matter in Dubai, call the following numbers: 999 - Police, 998 - Ambulance, 997 - Fire Brigade, 996 - Coast Guard, 901 - Dubai Tourist Police, or report the matter via the Dubai Police app.