Is Dubai safe for the new traveler?
Who hasn’t heard of Dubai? The iconic city in the United Arab Emirates with some of the richest people in the world and some of the best food.
It is known for its luxury shopping, architecture, and booming nightlife scene.
Who wouldn’t want to revel in the smell of burning money and the sight of pure blue seas?
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Is Dubai Safe?
Stand in the bustling malls, and find thousands of people shopping like it’s a mall in New York.
Dubai is the result of a decades-long project, meaning that just a couple of decades ago it was just a few scattered buildings.
Another part about Dubai which many visitors will tell you about are the strict laws.
Is it a safe trip to make, or are westerners targeted for crime? We’re here to give you the scoop!
How Safe is Dubai?
Overall, Dubai is very safe for travelers coming from abroad. However, this doesn’t always mean that crime doesn’t happen.
Just like everywhere else in the world, you’re going to want to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when flashing cash or walking down back streets.
Dubai’s tourism numbers have been increasing at an alarming rate year upon year. And at the end of the day, doesn’t growing tourism numbers typically indicate a safe spot?
Dubai, whatever you might think of it, is still pretty cool.
The fact that people have managed to build gleaming skyscrapers on a stretch of desert coastline is enough to attract curious city lovers to see what it’s all about.
It’s the law itself that you’re going to want to protect yourself from. It’s an interpretation of Sharia law, which makes petty things like cross-dressing illegal.
And don’t even think about kissing in public; you could get arrested. There’s a whole host of intricacies you’ll need to stay on top of and keep up to date with.
Dubai Crime Rate
- The intentional homicide rate of UAE in 2018 was 0.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is less than Canada, Finland and the UK.
- According to the UK Government, almost 1.5 million British nationals visit UAE in a typical year, with most visits being trouble-free.
- UAE is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws. These should be respected at all times.
- Incidents of petty crime such as pickpocketing are very low.
- The United States Department of State states: “Crime generally is not a problem for travellers in the UAE.
- Displays of public affection (especially between unmarried or homosexual partners)
- Drunken behavior, dressing immodestly
- Swearing
- Making rude gestures
- Photographing people without their permission
- Having Israeli citizenship
- Criticizing UAE’s government
- Fundraising for charity
- Soliciting escorts in Dubai, and more.
- If you’re planning to travel with prescribed or over the counter medicines for personal use, you’ll need to meet the UAE’s specific requirements for your medicine to be allowed into the country.
- Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote from SafetyWing to receive fully comprehensive support when it comes to unforeseen travel compilications.
- Watch out for pickpockets.
- Follow the rules, don’t think you won’t be monitored.
- Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. Then once you’ve booked your room, book taxis or buses through the hotel.
- If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away, and on your person. A PacSafe backpack is perfect for this.
- Make sure to take sunscreen. This is one of the hottest regions in the entire world.
- Don’t make or flash rude hand gestures
- Don’t use a VPN
- Don’t fundraise
- Don’t have a dirty car
- Don’t wash your car in public
- Don’t make or spread rumours
- Don’t take share pictures of accidents
- Don’t swear on Whatsapp
Get a FREE travel insurance quote from SafetyWing to get the right (and timely) support when it comes to protecting yourself in Dubai.
Is Dubai Safe for Americans?
It isn’t Americans or westerners that are targeted for crime.
On very rare occasions, terrorism does exist, but not on the same scale as USA or UK. What Americans need to watch out for is the laws.
Things that are illegal in Dubai include:
These rules get updated and added to quite regularly, so we would recommend you watch out for law changes.
Where to stay in Dubai
As you may have guessed there are some incredible spots to stay when visiting Dubai, take a look at these districts below.
Al Seef/Al Fahidi
This the traditional heart of Dubai: wind towers, tiny twisting streets, lively souks, sun-baked courtyards and bountiful museums.
All beside Dubai Creek, where you can look across the water to see working dhows. Pop in to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, for a very traditional Emirati meal.
Why not stick around to learn about the UAE’s culture?
Jumeirah
This has been one of Dubai’s most desirable districts for a long time. Jumeirah stretches for miles along the seafront to the southwest section of central Dubai.
Jumeirah is perfect for those looking for the luxury of all luxuries.
It’s lined with elegant villas and small but perfectly formed commercial areas such as malls.
Jumeirah is also home to hotels such as the sumptuous Mandarin Oriental and the world-famous Burj Al Arab.
Downtown
The area that surrounds the towering Burj Khalifa has become the city’s new centre of gravity. It is home to many of the newest, most exciting attractions that Dubai has to offer.
Stay here for The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, The Dubai Fountain – and, of course, the tallest tower in the world. Dinner at Souk Al Bahar, complete with a fountain view, is not to be trifled with.
Dubai: Travel Safety Tips
Dubai has had a brilliant plan to vaccinate its citizens, so the COVID situation here is slowly coming back to normality.
They’ve held many boxing matches and football games!
Here are some tips to help you in Dubai:
Dubai is a lot like an American city, it just looks different. You realize this when you notice how many citizens are coping with COVID-19 better than the likes of Brazil.
Things not to do in Dubai
The laws here are very serious and should be treated so.
Here are just a handful of memorable laws you could slip up on:
Just to be clear, we will state this again. Google the latest rule changes and make a note of them the day before setting off.
This way, you won’t break any laws by accident.
Is Dubai Safe? Final Words
Dubai is as safe as you want it to be.
If you arrive with the polo tops, shorts, and flip flops taking hundreds of pictures and stopping to apply sunscreen in the street?
Consider yourself a target for the police!
If you don’t care about the rules, the police won’t care how bad your punishment is. Dubai has a lot to offer, so stay safe!
