Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is a relatively new destination that has become popular in recent years as its infrastructure has begun to develop dramatically.
It can be considered a kind of city-state and is by far one of the most modern and progressive of the United Arab Emirates.
For years now, it's been an incredibly fast-growing place, where tourists come to see the technological and architectural wonders while enjoying never-before-seen shopping malls.
Being only five hours from Europe and three hours from most countries in the Middle and Near East, as well as the Indian subcontinent, Dubai is an excellent short-stay destination for a getaway where you can relax and unwind from your travels with a little shopping, sunbathing, dining and enjoying the many social events.
Warnings and dangers in Dubai
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Dubai is a very safe city in which to travel. Many say that the UAE is among the safest countries in the world. Overall, safety shouldn't be a problem if you're planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates.
RISK OF TRANSPORT AND CABS: MEDIUM
There's a certain risk of accident when you're on the road, due to unpredictable driving behavior. Driving off the beaten track is absolutely not recommended, as it can lead to dangerous accidents. Make sure your vehicle is well equipped and insured, and that you have enough water with you.
RISK OF PICKPOCKETS: MEDIUM
Although pickpocketing is supposed to be rare in the United Arab Emirates, where the inhabitants are mainly foreigners, it does occur, due to the 16 million tourists who visit every year. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to be aware of your surroundings at all times, just as a matter of principle.
RISK OF NATURAL DISASTERS: LOW
Among the natural disasters that threaten Dubai are very high temperatures, which can reach 50°C. Sandstorms are also common, as are thunderstorms. For more information on natural disasters, consult the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
RISK OF AGGRESSION: LOW
As mentioned above, the UAE is a country where most of the population is made up of foreigners, which explains why cases of assault and kidnapping, particularly in Dubai, are relatively rare. Foreigners avoid crime as such, as it would immediately lead to deportation.
RISK OF TERRORISM: MEDIUM
Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to attack the Gulf region. These attacks could target military, oil, transport and aviation interests, as well as popular locations such as restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping malls and mosques. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times.
RISK OF FRAUD: LOW
As this country is known for its wealth and prosperity, there are virtually no scams in this territory. Avoid scammers in shopping malls who will try to get you to answer certain questions to win a prize. They do this to sell you a travel package.
RISK FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE: LOW
Female travelers face the same risks as when visiting European cities, Canada, the USA or Australia. Take the usual precautionary measures and avoid going into dark areas and walking in the streets late at night.
So... how safe is Dubai really?
Dubai is a very safe place to travel.
That's not to say there's no crime - there is, especially around the main tourist attractions - but tourists are rarely targeted.
The reason it's so safe is that most people (employees) in the UAE, in general, are from other countries, and most locals are pretty well off, so they're probably not going to pickpocket you.
What's more, the fact that the majority of the people you come into contact with are foreigners means that if they try to commit a crime, they will be immediately deported, and this fact alone prevents crime.
The biggest risk you may encounter in terms of street violence and crime is pickpocketing, around landmarks and tourist destinations such as Jumeirah Beach and in popular neighbourhoods such as Shindagha, Deira and Satwa for example.
Other risks you need to consider when planning to travel to the UAE are natural disasters such as sandstorms and thunderstorms, as well as the constant risk of terrorist attack, mainly in the Gulf region.
Dubai VS other destinations...
| City | Safety index |
| Dubai | 80 |
| Abu Dhabi | 82 |
| Vienna (Austria) | 88 |
| Hong Kong (China) | 70 |
| Manama (Bahrain) | 54 |
Useful information
- Visas - A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your return. However, if you are unsure of your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com, which will tell you whether or not you need a visa, depending on your nationality and the country you wish to visit.
- Currency - The dirham is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates. Dirhams have a constant exchange rate, where 3.67 = 1 USD. It is the only currency that never fluctuates and is constant.
- Weather - With extremely high temperatures of up to 50°C, the United Arab Emirates is infamous for its hot spells. The hottest months run from June to September, so if you're planning your trip during these months, make sure you avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun and drink plenty of water.
- Airports - Dubai International Airport is the main international airport serving Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. It is the world's busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic. It is located in the Al Garhoud district, 4.6 km east of Dubai.
- Travel insurance - As elsewhere, we recommend that you take out travel insurance when you visit Dubai, as it covers not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
With a wide range of activities, numerous hotels and hundreds of possible excursions, don't hesitate to call on a guide who speaks your language to make your stay in Dubai easier. With Visiter Dubai, run by a Frenchman, Victor, he'll be delighted to give you all the information you need and prepare a personalized offer to suit your interests.
He can take care of your hotels, find you the best seats for concerts and show you the city in a way no one else can. With over 12 years on the ground, he has looked after hundreds of people and shared his experience of the Emirates, whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, always with a passion for detail and accurate information. He's a trusted and recognized value, so contact him for your trip to Dubai, especially as a private guide in French.
