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.

group-man-woman-friends-enjoy-fun

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

Burj_Khalifa_Observation_Deck

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

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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

view-water-park-dubai-on-island

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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Souvenir stall Dubai
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The best Dubai souvenirs to buy on your next trip

The word souvenir comes from the French for ‘memory’. Find the right souvenir and the memories of your trip to Dubai will live on long after you’ve returned home. What you pick will largely depend on your travels and experiences, but in case you’re struggling for ideas, we’ve put together a selection of the best Dubai souvenirs right here! 1. Stuffed dates Sticky, sweet and symbolic of everything that is exotic in the western psyche, dates play a huge role in Emirati culture. It’s with dates that the Ramadan fast is broken each night at sundown and the fruit also represents both prosperity and fertility. A common gift when visiting someone’s home, there are around 100 different varieties to choose between. So loved are they, that there are dedicated date stores, where you’ll not only find them in their natural state, but also stuffed. Authentic versions see them stuffed with chopped pistachio nuts or almonds. However, you’ll now find them filled with everything from dried mango to coconut and white chocolate creams. Taste one, and you’re bound to walk out with a bag full! 2. Colorful lanterns Whilst we’re talking of tradition, let’s mention the intricate forms and colorful glass of the region’s lanterns. Coming in a range of sizes – perfect for hand and hold luggage – they won’t fail to add color to any interior, slipping effortlessly into bohemian spaces and providing a focal point in more minimalist designs. Reminiscent of scenes in the Arabian Nights, many of the best modern examples can be found amongst the bright murals of Al Karama district. But if you have your eye on an historic version, head to Al Quoz’s Antique Museum store. 3. Locally-made chocolate Believe it or not, Dubai is a producer of chocolate as well as dates – sometimes combined to magnificent effect. Though many of the raw ingredients, including the cacao pods, have to be imported from abroad, you’ll still find that the best bars have a twist of the emirate about them. One example is the use of camel milk in its production. The entire process can be explored from start to finish at the Mirzam chocolate factory, which is also in Al Quoz district. And once you’ve watched the workers hand-wrap each bar, there’s plenty of opportunity to unwrap them again to try concoctions such as dark chocolate with cardamom and white chocolate with saffron. 4. Khanjars The curve-bladed daggers known as khanjars have been used by the Bedouin of Dubai’s deserts for centuries and are often seen carried symbolically by tribal leaders to this day. An authentic version will set you back several thousand dollars, however budget-friendly reproductions make ideal souvenirs. They can be found in stores and galleries across the city. To see the real thing, you can either check out the collections of the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort, or head out for a desert safari and BBQ dinner. Set within a Bedouin camp, khanjars are sure to be close at hand. 5. Spices A very different experience from your run of the mill supermarket or grocery store, the Spice Souk in Deira is filled with pleasant aromas. A short distance from the wharfs where spices from as far afield as India are unloaded, a trip to the souk is about getting up close to the spices, examining their look and smell before purchase. Traders will be more than happy to help you out, guiding you through produce which also includes a blend of teas. For something specifically Emirati grab yourself a small bag of bezaar. Each trader will probably have their own mix, consisting of spices including coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, cinnamon and turmeric. You might even be able to taste some during a dhow dinner cruise along Dubai Creek or sunset dinner cruise in Dubai Marina. 6. Woven handicrafts Useful, light on your luggage allowance and kind on the environment, woven handicrafts have been the practice of Bedouin women for as long as their menfolk have been carrying khanjars, whilst fishermen are also known to weave in their down time too. Made from the leaves of date palms as well as cottons and wools, they come in a variety of forms. For authentic everyday examples head to the souks of Old Dubai, but for items that are chic too, there are stores across the emirate. Left plain or colored with traditional dyes, you’ll find everything from coaster sets to rugs and baskets. 7. Bakhoor Another of the best Dubai souvenirs found in the souks is bakhoor. It’s generally called an incense, although it’s not the resin of a tree like frankincense. Instead, bakhoor is a concoction of sweet-smelling sandalwood carrying gums, oud (a natural perfume from the agar tree) and oils such as argan oil. The best blends contain visible chips of sandalwood, with powered versions also available. To get the best of them, you’ll then need to place the bakhoor on hot coals to release the fragrance. 8. Sand art The best Dubai souvenirs don’t have to be expensive. Some of the most fun are the sand art forms filling everything from large glass bowls to old Coca-Cola bottles. The artistry of these hand-made keepsakes is first rate, with their artists even able to customize them if you’re willing to hang around for a while. Because they are hand made, each one is unique, though they tend to have imagery of camels in the desert and the Hajar Mountains. In short, they are a great way of remembering any time you may have spent in the desert as well as Dubai more generally! 9. Drums If you’re looking for a statement piece, you’ve found it with Dubai’s drums. Used to accompany tribal dances, they come in a variety of forms (and even keyring versions should a life-sized drum be too much to countenance). Struck with a stick rather than with the hand, the largest Emirati drum is called al ras, and is usually hung from the shoulders when played. Smaller versions include the daf – which has a similar shape to a tambourine without the cymbals – and the doumbek with its figure of eight shape. Finding the best souvenirs in Dubai with Go City There’s no better souvenir than the memories which come with the experience of gazing out across Dubai from the At The Top observation decks of the tallest building in the world or taking a stand-up paddleboard lesson and tour through the waters of the Palm Jumeirah. However, many of us want to remember our trips abroad with a physical memento. The best Dubai souvenirs certainly won’t disappoint, so make sure you leave time to stop by the souks and malls in between using Go City to obtain significant reductions on admission to many of Dubai’s top attractions.
Ian Packham
A solo woman with a map in Dubai
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Things to do alone in Dubai

Traveling solo to Dubai? Looking for some alone time when traveling with family and friends? You’re not the only one to seek out things to do alone in Dubai. Thankfully, there’s a great range of options out there if you know where to look. Here’s our guide to the fun things you can do alone in Dubai. Experience the pizzazz of downtown Dubai With so many record breaking structures on the cards in downtown Dubai, this portion of the city deserves more than a quick glimpse from a metro train window as it wizzes past. Safe – like all of central Dubai – to explore even without travel companions, it’s an area that glitters by day and glows by night. Its biggest attraction is the Burj Khalifa. Rising to a height of almost half a kilometer, the tallest building in the world is even more impressive in real life than in images of it, especially when seen from the dancing jets of Dubai Fountain. The only way to get a sense of just how tall it is would be to head to the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors. They boast panoramic views from the Persian Gulf to the desert – and beyond. Slip through one of the entrances of the neighboring Dubai Mall and as well as a decent day’s shopping – visit each one of its 1200 retail stores for 5 minutes and you’ll need to have almost two weeks spare – you’ve got the opportunity to clip on a pair of skis or lock into a snowboard at Ski Dubai. Beginners are just as welcome to its slopes, rides and penguin encounters as those who’ve had years on the world’s pistes. Get lost in the deserts of Dubai If the views from the Burj Khalifa – and maybe your time at Ski Dubai too – leave you yearning for time in the desert, the good news is that you can go to Dubai’s desert alone, although we’d certainly recommend using a trustworthy tour operator if hiring a car sounds too much like hard work. A morning safari allows those on solo trips to Dubai to take in the dunes on the outskirts of its built up areas by 4WD before turning your attention to the traditional means of traversing its sands with a ride on a camel. You’ll also get the chance to give sandboarding a go before returning to the bright lights of central Dubai. Alternatively, you could opt to spend the sunset in the desert with a safari and BBQ dinner, watching how the shadows shift and colors change as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. But the fun doesn’t stop there, with a meal at a Bedouin camp incorporating henna painting, shisha pipes and belly dancing. Hit the beach In other destinations visiting the beach on your own can feel out of place. However, Dubai’s beaches are such that you’ll have no fears of this kind here. Some, including Marina Beach, even have lockers to shut up your stuff should you be worried about leaving it unattended as you hit the waves for a swim or a turn on a jet ski. Hotel pool terraces are another good option if your main aim is to relax with some sun followed by a quick dip, although you’ll then miss the chance of taking a dhow sightseeing tour of Dubai Marina. In addition to providing ample photographic opportunities of this area of Dubai’s waterfront, including views towards the Ain Dubai observation wheel, you’ll discover a little of its history with the onboard commentary. But to really relax, look no further than Dubai’s spas. Even the toughest of muscle knots will be smoothed out beneath the expert hands of their masseurs and masseuses. And what with the presence of wellness centers containing saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs you’ll soon forget your flying solo. The list of spas to choose between is almost endless, so you’re sure to find one that matches your exact needs. Make a day of it in Abu Dhabi Just a couple of hours from the hotels of downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Sharing a friendly rivalry with Dubai, the state’s biggest city, solo travelers should consider making a stop here too, although it won’t lead to any more stamps in your passport. If you’re coming just for the day, the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus tour takes all the stress out of sightseeing. Its two routes – red and green – link up top attractions including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose prayer hall has enough space for over 40,000 devotees. Other stops include one at the Abu Dhabi branch of the Louvre, with works spanning the centuries from 1000 year old works of Islamic art to the modern abstract paintings of Piet Mondrian. Nor do the delights stop there, with the Qasr Al Watan or Palace of the Nation providing a home for both the President of the United Arab Emirates and exhibitions celebrating the history of the country. Take a stroll around Al Fahidi One of the oldest parts of Dubai, the Al Fahidi neighborhood has an atmosphere that’s perfect for a solitary stroll. Its shady alleys give a good impression of what Dubai must have been like before the construction of attractions such as the Burj Khalifa. Its coral stone and gypsum buildings date back to the late 1800s, and now comprise a selection of heritage museums, tea houses and contemporary art galleries. If you’re concerned about getting lost between the high walls of its buildings, stick to the waterfront on Dubai Creek, where many of its most historic structures stand. You’ll also find yourself just a block or two away from Dubai’s only Hindu temple and Dubai Museum. Located within Al Fahidi Fort, it has a wide ranging collection, including prehistoric pottery shards and full-sized dhows. Traveling solo in Dubai doesn’t have to be a no-go There are a huge number of reasons why you might find yourself going solo. Take the opportunity to head out and you’ll discover there are also a huge number of things to do alone in Dubai. Whilst a partner in crime is entirely optional, you won’t want to forget your phone. That way, you can travel with Go City and save incredible sums on admission prices to many of Dubai’s top attractions!
Ian Packham
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Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting - A Must See Dubai Attraction

No visit to Dubai is complete without visiting the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. At 2,716.5 feet tall, the Burj Khalifa holds many world records. It is the tallest free-standing structure, has the most floors, the highest occupied floor, the highest outdoor observation deck, the elevator with the longest travel distance, the tallest art gallery, and more. As the tallest building, the Burj Khalifa offers the best views of the Dubai skyline and beyond from its observation deck. When you step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck, you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean. Walk around the deck and take in the views from the At the Top experience's floor-to-ceiling windows. How to get At the Top - Burj Khalifa discount tickets? Tips for Visiting At the Top - Burj Khalifa For the best photos: the best views and lighting for photos are right before sunset. Stay for the sunset and you'll get both daytime and evening views of the Dubai skyline. Or, if you want to get a surreal photo of the city in the clouds, from above the clouds, try to visit during a foggy morning. Bring your camera and a selfie stick. As the highest observation deck in the world, the Burj Khalifa has plenty of photo opportunities. Use the on-site telescopes to help identify the Burj Khalifa's surrounding buildings and points of interest. When is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa? To avoid the crowds, visit the Burj Khalifa on a weekday, and preferably as early as you can. What is there to do at the Burj Khalifa? Observation Decks At the Top - Burj Khalifa tickets feature two different experiences: At the Top - Burj Khalifa: access to levels 124 and 125 which are the main observation decks. They are included as an attraction choice on Go Dubai sightseeing passes! At the Top - Burj Khalifa| SKY: access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes access to the outdoor terrace on the 148th floor and a guided tour. (Please note: SKY access is not included with Go Dubai sightseeing pass admission. However, you can upgrade your ticket to include SKY access when you get to the ticket counter upon arrival. Burj Khalifa Facts https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_MZCzB0tQ/ Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, the 4th of the Mission Impossible series, featured the Burj Khalifa. You can see Tom Cruise scaling the side of the building. The Burj Khalifa is the world's first Armani Hotel with luxury accents and designs, like fabrics and furniture. All designed by Giorgio Armani. It's one of the most photographed buildings in the world. The construction of the Burj Khalifa, from excavation to its televised unveiling, took 6 years to complete. If you weighed the total amount of concrete used in the building's construction, it was approximately equal the weight of 100,000 elephants. The tower features a Condensate Collection System that collects condensation from the tower's air-conditioning systems and irrigates the building's gardens. When you visit you'll get to ride in the world's fastest double deck elevators that take you to the observation deck. The structure of the Burj Khalifa features a design that embodies the structure of the Hymenocallis, or, Spider Lily flower. What attractions are near the Burj Khalifa? https://www.instagram.com/p/B0GitTII4dz/ The Burj Khalifa is considered the anchor of the Downtown Dubai community. It's close to lots of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, including some of our top picks: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo - Researcher Experience: visit one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of aquatic animals, to learn about and get up close to thousands of sea animals, including sharks, rays, crocodiles, and more. The Green Planet: this fully-immersive vertical tropical forest features four levels of varying ecosystems, complete with plant and animal life, like butterflies, frogs, tropical birds, insects, and more. Hub Zero: this entertainment hub is a virtual gamers dream come true. It features multiple levels of highly immersive and interactive games, thrill rides, and more. You're not just playing the games, you're in them. Here, you'll be able to put all of your skills to the test at the various stations within Hub Zero. Mattel Play! Town: this innovative attraction features immersive 'edu-play' scenarios where kids can participate in simulated 'real-life' experiences with hands-on activities that require problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity, and social skills. Mattel Play! Town is geared towards visitors ages 2-10. Hysteria Haunted House: take a walk through the dark side, located right in The Dubai Mall, at Hysteria Haunted House and see if you can make it out unscathed by this mansion's evil residents. (Please note: this attraction is intended for visitors age 18+). Where is there to eat near the Burj Khalifa? Need to Know Hours: Open daily starting at 8:30 am and closes at 11PM. Getting your tickets: When you arrive at Burj Khalifa, you'll receive a timed ticket for admission to the Burj Khalifa. Based on availability, it might be at a later time in the day or on a later date. Address: At the Top, Burj Khalifa / Level: Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall Parking: Cinema Parking (Green), P1 Dubai Check out our suggestions for the best attractions in Dubai and the top 10+ things to do in Abu Dhabi for more itinerary inspiration. If you decide to visit Dubai during Ramadan be sure to check out our helpful guide. Save on Admission Tickets with a Go Dubai All-Inclusive Pass Remember, the Go Dubai All-Inclusive Pass is the best choice for maximum savings and sightseeing flexibility in Dubai. Choose from over 35 included attractions, like At the Top - Burj Khalifa. Get admission to all of Dubai's top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple Dubai attractions for one low price.
Casey Makovich

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