Safety in Dubai

Is Dubai Safe to Travel to for Tourists?

Answers to common questions about tourism in Dubai.
By Lindsay Eagan

Dubai might be a trip out of the ordinary for you. You're not alone: this Emirati nation is often the first trip people take to the Middle East. Here's the lowdown on local laws in Dubai, public affection, general safety, and visa requirements for a stress-free vacation.

Despite its allure and wealth of entertainment options, Dubai is often very unfamiliar territory for the uninitiated traveler. Vacationers without any experience in the Middle East may be quick to generalize from the images and stories that they hear via word of mouth or the nightly newscast.

People may be concerned about traveling to the United Arab Emirates for several reasons, and often ask "Is Dubai safe to travel to for tourists?" So, for your peace of mind and to address any questions and misconceptions, we've put together a guide to safety in Dubai.

Yes, Dubai is safe for tourists.

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Though the city is quite safe, tourists should still be alert when leaving their belongings or bags unattended. Be aware of your surroundings and continue to practice safe traveling skills throughout your visit, just as you would during a visit to any other big city.

Dubai is, in fact, one of the safest Middle Eastern cities for tourists. Its stricter laws mean that crime is kept to a minimum, and many tourists feel much safer in Dubai than they do in other parts of the globe. The crime rate in Dubai is much lower than comparable countries in other regions of the world.

Public transport in the city is clean, safe, and monitored. Traveling on it doesn’t pose a threat to tourists.

Snippets from 'United Arab Emirates Crime and Safety Report: Dubai'

Tourists are unlikely to be involved in any crimes that occur in Dubai, but as with any city, it's best to be aware of common problems and local laws. To help further alleviate any safety concerns you may have. we've highlighted information sourced from the United Arab Emirates Crime and Safety Report: Dubai, as found on the OSAC website. 

Dubai crime threats

"The crime rate in Dubai is considerably lower than in most cities throughout the world of similar size." "Violent criminal acts are very rare, and most often occur in the third country national (TCN) communities."

Medical emergencies & police response in Dubai

"For ambulance services, medical emergencies, police, and fire emergencies call 999. Ambulances are modern and staffed by trained paramedics."

"English-speaking operators are always available. Many international emergency phone numbers have been captured and added to Dubai's emergency call-in network with the understanding that in an emergency people tend to revert to familiar numbers, so should an American dial 911 during an emergency, the call will still be connected to Dubai Police and Emergency services."

"Dubai Police HQ and Emergency dispatch have a variety of language capabilities to serve the significant expatriate community."

"Identifying landmarks or businesses near the residence or location is essential in helping emergency personnel respond."

Road safety in Dubai

Dubai city roads at night

"Vehicle accidents are relatively common. While most result in property damage and only minor injuries, serious collisions resulting in fatalities or serious injuries do occur." "Excessive speed, different driving patterns and practices by the diverse international community, and occasionally diminished visibility due to heavy fog are the most common causes of the more serious accidents."

Public transportation in Dubai

"The color of the taxicab's roof indicates a specific company. Most cabs are tan except for the roofs, which can be red, blue, green, yellow, or pink (female drivers only, in respect of female passengers)."

Requirements for visas

Tourism is a major focus of the Dubai government. Therefore, travel into Dubai is quite straightforward as an incentive for travelers, and as long as tourists are following up-to-date guidelines and government travel advice, they shouldn't face any problems. 

The city offers free 30-day visitor visas on arrival, with no need to make arrangements in advance, to passport holders from many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Visitors are also entitled to a 10-day grace period for visa extensions if they wish.

Passport holders from some countries, including the European Union, are eligible for 90-day visitor visas on arrival. All visitors should make sure they double-check the rules before they travel.

A melting pot in the Middle East

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The United States may be a melting pot, but the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its largest city, Dubai, is the modern equivalent of a multicultural nation. Here's some information about the history and how Dubai came to be the city it is today.

Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the UAE, and it has quickly emerged as a global hub for business, transport, and culture in the region. At the turn of the 20th century, Dubai was growing in popularity as a trading port for nearby Iran, and it became an important stopping point for many foreign traders and business people. The city used the revenue received from trading ventures to invest in building infrastructure and firmly establish itself as a developed nation.

By the time oil was discovered off the shores of Dubai in the late 1960s, it was already on its way to becoming an active and populated city. On December 2, 1971, Dubai ratified the Act of Union of the United Arab Emirates along with five other emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE’s seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the Union the following year.

To ensure the development and growth of their new nation, the ruling party of Dubai decided to open its doors to the world by offering work visas, incentives for new businesses, and tax breaks for residents and companies. Today, fewer than 15 percent of Dubai’s population are native Emiratis, while the majority, 85 percent, comprise a cornucopia of immigrants from all corners of the globe, bringing with them numerous religions, cultures, and languages.

They make up a unique population of citizens who have all come to Dubai in search of economic opportunities, business growth, and cultural development. Therefore, the people who live in Dubai are well-versed with visitors from all over the globe.

Today, Dubai is a safe, diverse, developed, and bustling metropolis with boulevards crowned by looming skyscrapers, shiny residential buildings, and five-star hotels.

Respect for Islamic law

emirates-urban-lifestyle-big-city-arab

Islamic law is followed in Dubai, but often, certain leniency is granted to non-Muslim adults. Pay attention to the season in which you plan to travel to Dubai to be aware of any religious or cultural observations that might impact your visit, such as Ramadan when eating in public at the wrong time is forbidden (exceptions apply).

Travelers should make sure they follow the appropriate rules for couples (both married and unmarried) and public displays of affection. Holding hands, hugging, and kissing are considered socially inappropriate and if caught, there may be legal consequences.

While drinking alcohol is strictly a no-go for Muslims in Dubai, adult non-Muslims are indeed allowed to consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels or private homes whose owners have alcohol licenses.

Generally speaking, as long as visitors to Dubai abide by the local customs and have respect for citizens of the UAE, they typically do not face any problems while traveling within the country.

Dubai is a safe city for tourists and worth exploring

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Today, Dubai is a safe, diverse, developed, and bustling metropolis with boulevards crowned by looming skyscrapers, shiny residential buildings, and five-star hotels. With just a little background knowledge and a consideration for local customs, Dubai can be extremely safe and a wonderful and rewarding place for visitors.

It represents a beacon of innovation, and it is a global gateway for the world’s population through its leading attractions, shopping destinations, and architectural achievements, while its hotels, resorts, and spas offer places of peace and relaxation to recharge your batteries. It is certainly a city worth seeing!

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Best Boat Tours in Dubai

Mammals ventured out of the big drink many millions of years ago, and eventually, some of them became us. But our fascination with the oceans never really disappeared. Since early humans were able to use tools, we've been keen to throw ourselves back onto the waves and sail away. But what are we sailing away from? Our problems? Our past? Anyway, what about boats? Pretty cool, right? Let's talk about boats and why you should ride them. Firstly, fun. Boats are fun. Facts. Secondly, they let you see another side of a city - the waterside. So, if you're vacationing in Dubai, we hope you're pumped to read about the best boat tours available, because we're pumped to tell you about them! Including: Ain Dubai boat tour Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise Sunset Dinner Cruise Dubai Marina Speed Boat Sightseeing Dubai Tour Yas Island Sightseeing Cruise and more! Ain Dubai boat tour Let's kick off our list with a delightful sunset tour of Dubai's opulent marina. After boarding a luxury yacht, you'll pass by the multi-million dollar high-rise flats at Bluewaters Island and the skyscrapers of Jumeirah Beach Residence, as well as the typically stunning views of the city's skyline. Then, get your cameras ready for the tour's crown jewel - Ain Dubai. The largest observation wheel on the planet dwarfs the London Eye at nearly twice its size. And, at 250m tall, you can imagine how great the views are from up there! With tours leaving at 6:30PM or 9PM, you can have your tour bathed in twilight, or immerse yourself in the midnight glow of Dubai's neon magnificence. The choice is yours. Image courtesy of Mana Photo/Shutterstock Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise If you're bringing the little one along with you, then why not sail away with their favorite drunk pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow? Yes, now, all their pirating dreams - and maybe yours - can come true on this sightseeing cruise atop Sparrow's famous Black Pearl galleon. With the Captain as your guide, you'll travel through the stunning Ras al Khor (Dubai Creek Harbour) and on to Mohamed Bin Rashid where you'll pause to marvel at the views of the Burj Khalifa. Make sure to have your camera ready, because you'll want to take photos of the magnificent scenery you pass on your voyage. Oh, and maybe a few pics with the Captain himself, should he be able to stay on his two feet! Sunset Dinner Cruise of Dubai Marina How does a seaside dinner cruise at sunset sound? Good, yeah? If so, this will be one of your best boat tours in Dubai! Enjoy a mouth-watering dinner, live music and entertainment, and stunning views on this tour of Dubai Marina. Hop aboard, grab a drink, and sit down for a cruise like no other. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the bottom deck, or the open-air of the top deck, you'll see the Marina, the tallest block of towers in the world, and the Cayan Tower with its impressive architectural twist. As well as skyscraping sights, you'll also take in views of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and its waterfront. And the dinner itself? Sublime, thanks to the generous buffet on board. Sample pasta dishes, fill your bowl with noodles, and top it all off with a decadent dessert of crumble or brownies. Delish. Speed Boat Sightseeing Dubai Tour If the thought of cruising across the waves fills your lungs with yawn matter, you'll want something a little faster. Well hold onto your hats, then, because you can also see Dubai's shoreline at a breakneck pace thanks to this speed boat sightseeing tour of the city! For 90 minutes, you'll be flung around the open ocean as you set your sights on the beautiful Dubai skyline. Speed past the Marina as your guide fills you in on the city's history and lines your brain with sweet, sweet knowledge. You'll even see luxury hotels, the royal sheik's palaces, and high-profile villas. Lovely. But don't worry, it's not all speed. You'll have the chance to slow down on occasion and put your photo clicking finger to work. Creek Sightseeing Cruise by Tour Dubai Or, if you really want to relax and see some parts of the city you'd otherwise miss, check out this architectural boat tour of Dubai Creek, Deira, and Bur Dubai. Boarding a traditional, handcrafted dhow boat, the slower pace gives you the chance to soak up Dubai's rich culture, while your commentary track fills you in on the ins and outs of each location. And, if you're a little parched from the warm weather, do not fear - you'll get a complimentary soft drink or water bottle when you board. They really thought of everything, didn't they? Marina Sightseeing Cruise Explore Dubai's Canal City and Marina with this picturesque hour-long cruise of the harbor! See the architectural marvel of Dubai up close on this fascinating boat tour of the shore. Take as many pics for your socials as possible, making your followers envious beyond your wildest dreams. And, sip on a refreshing complimentary drink as you sail. Not bad at all. Yas Island Sightseeing Cruise Venture beyond Dubai on a handcrafted boat as you explore the shores of Yas Island. You'll pass by recognizable landmarks from the United Arab Emirates, such as Al Zaina, Al Bandar, and Al Seef. You'll even get a closer look at the famous Yas Marina F1 Race Circuit. You might not be in a car, but you can pretend you're racing on the circuit yourself, if that floats your boat. Floats your boat? An unintentional pun, we assure you. Those are our picks for the best boat tours in Dubai! Looking for other memorable adventures to experience while in Dubai? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
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Best Restaurants in Dubai

Sometimes, going on vacation can be daunting - especially when it comes to food. Local cuisine can make or break a holiday, so it's good to know your options. Thankfully, Dubai has a large number of amazing restaurants that cater to every cuisine imaginable, so you'll never feel like you're missing out. These are our picks for the very best restaurants you absolutely must visit in Dubai! Including: Coya BB Social Dining Long Teng 21 Grams Bagatelle and more! Coya If you're looking for some delightful bites influenced by Latin American cuisine, go check out Goya. This Peruvian restaurant, which also borrows generously from Spanish and far Eastern cuisine, is well known around Dubai as one of the best in town. Visitors can expect great food and great service, all wrapped up in a lively atmosphere that peaks in the evening. Just bear in mind that all that good comes at a cost, so make sure you're flush and check their menu prices before striding in all confident. If you've got the dough, and the menu's for you, Coya is easily one of the best restaurants in Dubai. BB Social Dining BB Social Dining feels like a joint teleported in from New York, thanks to its narrow-yet-tall three-floor structure. Step inside, glide up the staircase to your table, and sit down for some amazing fusion of Eastern and Middle-Eastern cuisine. You'll find crispy sprouts sitting right by truffle egg and kung fu wings on the menu, and you can pair all these weird yet wonderful combinations with a selection of delightful drinks, should you be parched. Long Teng Hidden in plain sight among the Business Bay office towers, you'll find this wonderfully aquatic Chinese restaurant. Step inside Long Teng, and you'll feel like you've journeyed beneath the waves, thanks to its large aquarium of sea-living legends. Approach the aquarium, pick your dish, and then sit down to your delicious treat. The menu is packed full of authentic Chinese dishes, so if seafood isn't your jam, or picking your meal seems a little morbid, you can select one of the already deceased options and enjoy that instead. They have vegetarian options too, if you want to give the murder a miss. 21 Grams Balkan cuisine doesn't get a lot of love across the globe, which is a shame. A fusion of many different cuisines from nearby, its mix of meats, seafood, and baked delights doesn't get its due. But that's not the case in Dubai, thanks to 21 Grams. Enter the generous dining area and chow down on some delightful family recipes like zucchini fritters, wagyu beef stuffed patties, and a daily rotation of fresh fish. Grand. Bagatelle Look for late-night French delights? Look no further than Bagatelle, which many consider one of Dubai's best evening hangouts. Though you can book earlier, head there when the sun goes down to make the most of your Bagatelle experience. With a menu teeming with authentic French cuisine, including uniquely French oddities like snails and frogs legs, as well as a burgeoning drinks menu and live music throughout the night, it could easily be your one-stop shop for a perfect night out. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Dubai if you're looking for a lively time. Masti If you're in the market for a little Indian, head to Masti, which does the best South Asian dishes anywhere in Dubai. With meals designed by award-winning chef Prashant Chipkar, expect nothing but the best Indian cuisine, with small plates sure to tickle your spicy side. But this isn't your traditional affair, with each Indian mainstay given a very modern twist. Just when you thought you knew what to expect from a curry, Masti offers a delicious rug pull that will have you questioning reality itself. Or, well, maybe not reality. But your expectations of an Indian menu? Sure. Even the decor is delightful, thanks to the blue upholstery and giant hanging light bulbs. Dine like royalty while feeling like royalty. That's the name of the game at Masti. Armani/Ristorante For Italian cuisine lovers, look no further than the classy, upmarket vibes on offer at Armani/Ristorante. Don't let the minimalist decor fool you - the menu is far from basic. With wonderful Dubai twists on classic Italian dishes, and each selection paired with a recommended wine, you'll have your pick from the likes of braised lamb ravioli, foie gras, blue lobster, and many more. If your bank account can handle it, we'd recommend the Tajima wagyu strip loin with black truffle mashed potato. Divine. Al Beiruti Al Beiruti caters to all your Middle-Eastern culinary desires, so if you want some authentic local food, you know where to go. Thanks to the all-day menu featuring breakfasts, mezze, grilled meats, and even a kids menu, you can enjoy Al Beiruti's delights from sun up to sun down. And, with the kitchen visible from your table, you can see the master chefs in action as they wrangle up your tasty treats. Expect plenty of hummus, shawarma, sausages, and Middle-Eastern takes on burgers, to name but a few. Bubbalicious And finally, no list of the best restaurants in Dubai would be complete without a shout-out to everyone's favorite between-meal; brunch. Does Dubai do brunch? Too right it does. So why not check out the city's best brunch spot at Bubbalicious? Located in the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, you'll find this delightful all-you-can-eat brunch fest. And their offerings are startling, to say the least. Lobster, curry, steak, Asian dishes, roasted meats, and much more fill the aisles, and you can have as much as you want. Not a bad way to start your day, ay? Those are our picks for the best restaurants in Dubai! With all that fuel in you, you'll be ready for all the amazing experiences Dubai has to offer. Looking for ideas? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley

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