Dubai is a global hub for tourism and business that attracts millions of visitors yearly. Its modern infrastructure, diverse culture, and luxury appeal make it a prime destination. However, many potential travelers ask, “Is Dubai safe to visit?”
This article covers essential safety guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.
Is Dubai Safe to Visit Right Now?
Dubai is widely considered one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate is low compared to global standards, and the government prioritizes security, making it a safe haven for locals and tourists alike.
According to the Crime Index by Numbeo, Dubai scores really well relative to other cities on safety indexes:
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Crime Index Score |
Safety Scale Rating |
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16.3 (low: less incidence of crime) |
83.82 (high: greater level of safety) |
In comparison, London has a crime index score of 55.12! These numbers prove that Dubai is a safer city than most others, especially in the Middle East.
General Tips for Safety
While the incidence of crime in Dubai is low, here are a few general suggestions you can follow to never face any hassles as a tourist.
Respect Local Customs
To get the best experience out of your trip, being on good terms with the locals can be important. There are a few cultural practices and customs you can be mindful of:
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Dress modestly and follow stipulated dress codes in designated areas. It is advisable to cover your shoulder and knees.
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Avoid photographing locals and administrative buildings without consent.
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Avoid conversation on sensitive or religious matters.
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Public displays of affection may be frowned upon: avoid them.
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Consume alcohol in licensed, designated areas such as pubs, restaurants and hotels, and avoid public drunkenness.
Carry Adequate Protection from the Climate
Dubai’s desert climate means high temperatures, particularly in summer (June to September).
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Stay hydrated
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Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and bamboo and loose-fitting clothes
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Wear sunscreen, and schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
Here are a few tips for pedestrians travelling in Dubai:
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Avoid jaywalking: jaywalking will attract fines and expose you to risk of vehicular accidents
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Always use pedestrian crossings
As a tourist, if you wished to get around Dubai by driving yourself around, here’s what you could expect:
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The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years; it can be 25 years in case you wish to rent high end luxury cars
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You need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Dubai
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Dubai has right-hand driving, as opposed to left-hand driving regulations in India
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Economy cars typically range from AED 70-120 (1650-2820 INR) per day, while luxury vehicles can go from AED 500 (11878 INR) to over AED 2000 (47139 INR) per day.
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Road signs are in both English and Arabic, which makes navigation easier
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Speed limits are typically 60 km/h in urban areas and up to 120 km/h on highways
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There is no permissible blood-alcohol limit. Any traces of alcohol will lead to the imposition of heavy fines and penalties.
Women’s Safety
Dubai is generally considered a safe city for women. 98.5% of the women respondents in a survey said that they felt safe in the city at night. The city has several measures in place which ensure women’s safety such as:
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Women-only sections in public transportation such as buses and metros
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Women’s police stations with female police officers
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Women driven taxis, also known Pink Taxis
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A dedicated women’s helpline: 800111
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Active patrolling, well-lit streets, and extensive police coverage.
Common Scams
While Dubai can be considered generally safe, there are a few common scams that you need to watch out for:
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Unofficial Taxis: Unlicensed taxis may approach tourists, especially at the airport or popular tourist spots, charging inflated fares.
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Tip: Always use licensed taxis, identifiable by their yellow signs. Utilize ride-hailing apps for added safety.
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Spilling Drinks or Liquids on Your Clothes: A person may intentionally spill a drink on you and then distract you while an accomplice steals your belongings.
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Tip: If someone spills something on you, remain cautious and ask them to leave you alone while you clean up.
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Fake Gold: Tourists visiting the Gold Souk may encounter sellers offering counterfeit gold jewelry.
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Tip: Always buy from reputable shops and check for authenticity certificates. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
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Spiked Drinks: This scam primarily targets solo female travelers, where drinks are tampered with to incapacitate them for theft or assault.
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Tip: Never leave drinks unattended and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers.
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Fake WiFi Hotspots: Scammers set up fake WiFi networks in public places to steal personal information from unsuspecting users.
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Tip: Avoid connecting to public WiFi networks that aren’t password-protected. Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information online.
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Pickpocketing: While rare, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like shopping malls and tourist attractions.
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Tip: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy places.
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ATM and Credit Card Fraud: Fraudsters may use skimming devices at ATMs to capture card information.
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Tip: Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments and monitor your bank statements after withdrawals carefully.
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Taxi Scams: Some taxi drivers may claim their meters are broken or charge more than the actual fare.
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Tip: Always check that the meter is running before starting your journey and ensure you are using licensed taxis.
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Sales Scams at Markets: Vendors may pressure you into buying overpriced goods or low-quality products under the guise of discounts.
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Tip: Negotiate prices and avoid making impulsive purchases. Research prices beforehand if possible, and if a deal is too good to be true, it’s best avoided.
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Have a Local Emergency Contact Listed
Having a local emergency contact can always help while visiting, even if the chances of having to call on them is generally low in Dubai. Anyone who is a local acquaintance or your hotel manager can be listed as an emergency contact to help drive conversations.
Call Local Helpline Numbers in Case of Trouble
Dubai has great public infrastructure to keep citizens and tourists safe and provide timely support when necessary. Here are a few helpline numbers you should keep in your memory:
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Police (Emergency): 999
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Police (Non-Emergency): 901
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Ambulance: 998
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Fire Department (Civil Defence): 997
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Coastguard: 996
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Find and Rescue: 995
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Crime Against Children: 800-988
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Human Trafficking: +971-4-608-2347 (Dubai Police), +971-2-222-2000 (National Committee)
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FAQs
Is it still safe to go to Dubai right now?
Yes, Dubai remains one of the safest cities globally, especially for women. Follow travel advisories for updates.
Is blogging allowed in Dubai?
Blogging is permitted but avoid content that criticizes the government or sensitive issues.
What is the warning about traveling to Dubai?
Warnings typically focus on strict laws and cultural norms. Awareness is key to a smooth visit.
What are the don’ts in Dubai?
Avoid public displays of affection, inappropriate dress codes, swearing, unauthorized photography, drinking excessively in public places, and disrespecting local customs or laws.
Can you drink in Dubai?
Alcohol consumption is allowed in licensed venues, like hotels and bars, but not in public spaces.
How safe is Dubai for tourists?
Dubai ranks among the safest cities globally for tourists due to low crime rates and strict law enforcement practices protecting visitors’ well-being.
