Safety tips for the United Arab Emirates

Safety aspects for stress-free travel

Despite the currently tense situation in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates continue to be regarded as one of the safest travel destinations in the region – provided that you thoroughly inform yourself in advance, remain alert, and respect local rules. The combination of a low crime rate, strict legislation, and comprehensive surveillance ensures a high level of public safety. At the same time, this order requires particularly considerate behavior from travelers, both culturally and legally.

General safety precautions

Those who travel well-prepared to the UAE significantly reduce risks. It is especially important to regularly check current travel and safety advisories, for example, from the Federal Foreign Office.

In everyday situations, a watchful eye is required: pickpocketing is rare but can occur in shopping malls or at large events. Important documents should be securely stored and preferably only carried in digital copy. Women and young people traveling alone should be especially cautious after dark. Additionally, the handling of alcohol, medications, or photographs is subject to strict rules: Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed venues, certain medications require permission, and photographing government buildings is prohibited. Those who dress respectfully, pay attention to social media content, and do not provoke risky situations typically move safely and stress-free through the country.

Use of public transport

Public transport in the UAE – especially in metropolises like Dubai or Abu Dhabi – is modern, clean, and comparably safe. The metro in Dubai, for example, has separate cabins for women and families as well as a strong security presence. Nevertheless, attention is required here too. During peak times, it can get crowded, which is why bags and valuables should always be kept close to the body.

When using taxis, only official providers should be chosen and travelers should inform themselves about the approximate price before starting their ride. Women traveling alone are advised to sit in the back and to avoid night rides whenever possible. Digital taxi services like Uber or Careem are also common and considered reliable – especially when you are not yet familiar with the local area.

Cultural differences and respect

Those visiting the United Arab Emirates enter not only a different geographical world but also a culturally deeply rooted society with clear behavioral rules and social norms. Although the UAE is a popular travel destination for visitors from around the world, different standards apply here in public appearance, communication, and interaction with religion and law. What may seem ordinary or harmless in Western countries can quickly lead to misunderstandings or even legal consequences in the Emirates.

A respectful approach to these cultural differences is not only a sign of appreciation towards the host society but also an important prerequisite for a pleasant and safe stay. In the following sections, we will show which differences are particularly relevant and how you can behave appropriately as a traveler.

Important cultural differences

A central theme in the everyday culture of the UAE is clothing. In public, great emphasis is placed on a modest style of dress. Both men and women should ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered. In mosques, women are additionally required to wear a headscarf. Revealing or provocative clothing is considered disrespectful and can lead to complaints or police intervention.

There are also significant differences in interpersonal interactions: Handshakes between men and women are not taken for granted and should only occur if the other party explicitly offers it. Likewise, public displays of affection such as kissing or hugging are not desired and can even be prosecuted legally. Disregarding these norms has previously led to severe penalties for tourists.

The consumption of alcohol is subject to strict regulations. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed venues – drunkenness in public is not tolerated. Possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in several years of imprisonment or the death penalty, even in airport transit areas.

Furthermore, photographing individuals – especially women and children – without explicit permission is prohibited. Religious rules also play a central role: During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public should be avoided during the day, including for non-Muslims.

Rules of conduct and etiquette

To avoid misunderstandings and to navigate social life in the Emirates confidently, a sensitive approach to local norms is essential. This includes, among other things, behaving respectfully in religious sites, removing shoes, appearing modestly dressed, and wearing a headscarf as a woman.

There are also clear rules in everyday life: The left hand is traditionally considered unclean – therefore, the right hand should always be used for eating, handing over objects, or greeting. When entering private homes, it is customary to remove shoes. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid physical contact when meeting members of the opposite sex and to generally present oneself in a reserved manner.

Particular caution is required when handling personal data – fraudulent win notifications or calls with supposed official matters are known in the region. Those who appear polite, attentive, and well-informed signal respect and are generally welcomed kindly by the local population.

Dress codes for travelers

Whether on a city stroll, visiting a mosque, or at the hotel beach – clothing plays an important role in the United Arab Emirates. Even though the UAE are considered liberal compared to other countries in the region, it is crucial for travelers to respect local customs. Appropriate clothing signals consideration for the culture of the country – and also protects against unpleasant situations or legal consequences. Different requirements apply for men and women depending on the environment and occasion.

Clothing in public spaces

In everyday life, tourists are expected to dress discreetly and respectfully. For both genders, shoulders, knees, and the navel should be covered. Deep necklines, crop tops, very short shorts, or tight-fitting clothing are considered inappropriate – even if there are no formal laws regarding this. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts, and women should refrain from transparent fabrics or revealing cuts. Especially in shopping malls, museums, or public places, modest clothing is advisable. In hotels or tourist zones, a slightly more casual style is occasionally tolerated; however, it is advisable to adapt to the local environment at all times. During Ramadan, stricter standards apply – during this time, travelers should choose particularly conservative clothing and additionally pay attention to their behavior in public.

Clothing in religious sites

When visiting religious places such as mosques, a strict dress code must be adhered to. Women must wear long, loose clothing and a headscarf that covers the hair, neck, and shoulders. Arms and legs should also be fully covered. Men are required to wear long trousers and sleeved tops – shorts or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. In many mosques, suitable clothing items are provided at the entrance; nevertheless, it is advisable to prepare in advance accordingly. Those who dress respectfully not only demonstrate cultural understanding but are often also rewarded with a particularly friendly reception.

Use of foreign representatives in emergencies

Even in a well-organized travel country like the United Arab Emirates, unexpected emergencies can arise – whether due to legal issues, medical incidents, or the loss of identification documents. In such situations, foreign representations – that is, embassies and consulates – are central points of contact for citizens seeking help abroad. Those who are well-prepared and know how to quickly obtain support in an emergency can manage crises efficiently and safely.

Contact and services

The embassies and consulates of your home country offer a variety of consular assistance services in the UAE. They frequently assist with passport loss or theft by issuing replacement documents to enable continued travel. They can also help with legal issues – for example, after a traffic accident or an arrest – by providing contacts to local lawyers or informing relatives. However, they cannot provide legal advice or representation.

In medical emergencies, foreign representations can facilitate contacts to suitable clinics or doctors and may assist with organizing a return transport, provided there is appropriate insurance. Furthermore, they inform about the security situation in crisis situations such as political unrest, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks and coordinate evacuation measures in case of emergency.

For general emergencies, the representations also hold important information about local emergency numbers and authorities. However, it should be noted that many of these services are subject to fees and must be borne by the traveler afterwards. A good international health insurance and up-to-date information about the travel and safety advisories of the respective embassy are therefore essential.

Registration with the crisis preparedness list

A particularly important measure before embarking on a trip is registration in the so-called crisis preparedness list – for example, in the German system 'ELEFAND'. By enrolling there, citizens enable foreign representations to quickly make contact and provide targeted assistance in case of emergency. This is particularly relevant in crisis situations that require sudden evacuations or in the event of widespread security threats.

The registration is voluntary, straightforward, and done online – but it should definitely be considered as part of forward-looking travel planning. It not only increases personal safety but also facilitates a coordinated response from authorities when it matters.

Local laws and strict regulations

The United Arab Emirates are characterized by a very strict legal system that differs significantly from European standards in many aspects. What may appear harmless to many travelers – whether it be a small oversight in behavior or the possession of everyday medications – can quickly lead to serious consequences in the UAE. It is therefore all the more important to inform oneself in advance about applicable regulations and to behave respectfully and in accordance with the rules in the country.

Respecting bans and regulations

The UAE have clear rules for social interaction, handling sensitive topics, and public behavior. The possession and consumption of any drugs – even in tiny amounts – is strictly prohibited and will be severely punished without exception. This also applies to medications that are available over the counter in Europe: some of them are illegal or require permission in the Emirates.

Strict regulations also apply to alcohol consumption. Drinking is only permitted in licensed venues, and public drunkenness can lead to arrests – as can running a red light or photographing prohibited locations. Travelers should also adhere to conservative standards in their clothing, such as covering shoulders and knees, to avoid offense.

Other sensitive topics include public displays of affection, respectful interactions with religious symbols – particularly during Ramadan – as well as respecting the privacy of others. Photographing people without their permission, as well as government buildings or security facilities, is strictly prohibited and regularly punished.

Legal consequences and prevention

Authorities in the UAE take a decisive stance against legal violations – even when no criminal intent existed. In the past, tourists have been prosecuted for possessing prescription medications without authorization, for a supposedly harmless kiss in public, or for taking pictures of prohibited motifs. Penalties range from hefty fines to years of imprisonment and departure bans.

Even outside of obvious offenses, carelessness can lead to problems. For example, picking up a lost wallet could be seen as theft, or a critical social media post could be considered an insult to Islam. Those who disregard applicable laws risk not only legal consequences but also the disregard of local culture.

To prevent problems, travelers should thoroughly inform themselves in advance, particularly about current travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office. Caution, restraint, and the willingness to adhere to local rules are the key to a safe and respectful stay in the UAE.

Special notes on the consumption of products

The United Arab Emirates are known for their strict zero-tolerance policy towards certain consumer goods and substances. What may be commonplace in many other countries can quickly lead to serious legal consequences in the UAE, including hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, or even the death penalty. For travelers, it is therefore essential to familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations before departure.

Particularly strict regulations apply to the import and consumption of alcohol, certain medications, drugs, e-cigarettes, weapons, or religious texts. Even seemingly harmless products such as CBD oil, pork products, or pocket knives can lead to significant problems if regulations are not adhered to. Violations are rigorously punished not only in public but also in the transit areas of airports.

Alcohol and tobacco consumption

The consumption of alcohol is allowed in the UAE only for non-Muslims over the age of 21 and only in licensed places such as hotels, bars, and restaurants. Public drunkenness is legally prohibited and can be punished with fines of up to 400 euros or imprisonment of one to six months. Rules are particularly strict in road traffic: there is a 0.0 blood alcohol limit – even the smallest amounts of alcohol can lead to arrest, license revocation, and imprisonment. In particularly conservative emirates like Sharjah, the possession of alcohol is entirely prohibited.

Tobacco products are generally legal, but restrictions apply. Smoking is prohibited in many public areas and can result in fines for violations. The import of e-cigarettes and liquids is also not unconditionally permitted – it is advisable to clarify this with the relevant authorities in advance.

Those wishing to bring alcohol or tobacco products into the UAE should inform themselves in advance about the permitted maximum quantities and regulations. Ignorance does not protect against punishment – therefore, responsible handling of these products is essential for a carefree trip.