According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, the UAE has been assessed as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate Dubai does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Dubai as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s Dubai-specific webpage for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threat

U.S. Consulate Dubai RSO utilizes open source reporting and discussion with consulate officials and private citizens, as criminal statistics are difficult to measure due to the host government’s policy of not releasing crime information.

In comparison to similarly sized cities worldwide, Dubai’s crime rate appears to be significantly lower. However, U.S. nationals should not be lulled into a false sense of security. The majority of crime is reported in areas populated primarily by lower income, temporary laborers originating from other countries. The majority of crimes attributed to this group consist of petty theft, public offenses (fighting, public intoxication), sexual harassment, and rare incidents of violent assault.

Street crimes (pickpocketing, shoplifting, petty theft) occur; however, weapons are rarely used.

Violent criminal acts are very rare and occur mostly within the third-country national (TCN) communities.

ATM skimming devices, installed by criminals to capture data from cards, are a threat throughout the UAE. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.”

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

The road network in metro Dubai, though generally in good repair, is increasingly strained due to the growing number of vehicles and continuous construction. Expressways are often unable to handle traffic volume, especially during peak traffic periods.

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

Drivers display varying degrees of skill, aggressiveness, and attentiveness, and often maneuver erratically and at high speed, demonstrating little care or courtesy. Defensive driving is strongly encouraged. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.”

Do not use your mobile phone while driving. If you feel that you are being followed, do not drive home; go to a safe area (a police station, public area). Try to get a license plate number and description of the vehicle.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transport is generally safe and reliable. Dubai has an extensive automated metro rail system that provides transportation throughout the metropolitan area. Information on disruptions to transportation services can be found on the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai website.

Taxicabs are widely available throughout the metropolitan area. 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/passengers only). Dubai law requires the taxicab to use the meter. Taxicabs should have the driver’s name and ID number posted on the back of the driver/passenger seat. To aid in reporting criminal or fraudulent taxi incidents to the police, try to obtain the taxi number, company, and color of the vehicle.

Ride hailing services (Uber, Careem) are also considered safe and reliable. For more information on ride-sharing, please review OSAC’s Annual Briefing Report “Safety and Security in the Share Economy.”

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The Dubai airports have extremely rigorous screening standards, and seemingly innocuous items are strictly forbidden. Items such as small cutting blades, any weapons, or any inert or live ammunition or component (even expended), law enforcement tools, and specialized communications equipment have created delays for travelers. Even accidentally carrying these items through the airport can incur penalties or subject a person to arrest and criminal prosecution.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Dubai as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

The possibility of a terrorist attack against U.S. interests cannot be ruled out given the UAE's proximity to hostile and unstable countries, its importance as a major transit hub for regional travel and commerce, and the large expatriate population. The UAE’s participation in the anti-ISIS coalition and the ongoing Yemen civil war has raised the overall likelihood of terrorist attacks against host nation and Western interests. Continued threats from terrorist groups directed against U.S. interests worldwide require that U.S. citizens remain alert and incorporate good security practices into their daily activities. 

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Dubai as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Political demonstrations are extremely rare and must be authorized by the host government.

Post-specific Concerns

Personal Identity Concerns

While Dubai presents a Western image and is more tolerant than other countries in the Middle East, the local culture is conservative. U.S. citizens should be mindful not to offend local (Islamic) customs. Manner of dress, particularly for women (teens and adults alike), should be conservative and respectful. It is advisable for women to travel in groups or pairs, particularly during hours of darkness. Harassment of unaccompanied Western females occurs occasionally.

Public displays of affection are discouraged and may be considered a violation of local laws.

Recognition of religious sensitivities should be more enhanced during Ramadan or other holy periods.

Drug-related Crimes

Authorities have a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested and convicted for carrying small quantities of banned substances. Trials usually result in a prison sentence of several years.

Police Response

Investigative resources and sophisticated equipment are available. The police use fingerprint and iris scan technology and have a national registry for expatriates living and working in the UAE.

Police responding to the report of a crime may not always provide the same level of service as in the U.S. Most police officers below the rank of Warrant Officer are from the expatriate community and are hesitant to make independent decisions. These officers wear green uniforms and may have limited education and English speaking abilities. Those above the rank of Warrant Officer are generally Emirati, many have studied in Europe or the U.S., and many are fluent in English. These officers wear tan/khaki uniforms. Decisions concerning anything other than routine matters will usually be made by an Emirati police supervisor. Dubai police HQ and emergency dispatch have a variety of language capabilities to serve the significant expatriate community.

Over the last years, there have been publicized arrests and deportations of expatriates who posted photos or comments on various social media in violation of UAE laws. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report “Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.”

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

U.S. citizens detained or arrested are advised to notify the Consular section of the Consulate. Expatriates found by the police to be involved in criminal activity are usually deported following incarceration.

Crime Victim Assistance

The emergency response system number is 999 for police, medical emergencies, and fire emergencies. 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 dialing 911 during an emergency will still be connected to Dubai police and emergency services.

When seeking emergency assistance, callers should provide the operator/dispatcher with a detailed description of the location and the type of emergency. Many streets are identified by a number and letter combination. Dubai has changed some street names from the number and letter format to a name format. This adds to confusion when trying to find a location or give directions. The problem is further aggravated by ever-changing construction zones, as Dubai builds and updates its infrastructure. Identifying landmarks or businesses near the location is essential in helping emergency personnel respond.

Dubai Police have introduced an app for iOS and Android mobile devices that allows users to summon police assistance directly through its interface. The app shares GPS location information directly from the device, allowing users to most effectively share their location with the authorities. The app can also be utilized to report non-emergency situations.  

Medical Emergencies

For ambulance service, call 999. Ambulances are modern and staffed by trained paramedics. Directions need to be given based upon prominent landmarks or by Makani number. Do not end an emergency call until you are certain that the directions are clearly understood. If your location is difficult to find, advise the operator that you will meet the ambulance at a nearby landmark. Heavy traffic may impede the ability of emergency medical services to respond in a timely manner. The use of a personally-owned vehicle for transport to a hospital should be considered.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Consulate’s Passport and U.S. Citizen Services page under the Medical Assistance tab.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for the UAE.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Dubai Country Council is active and meets monthly. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Middle East and North Africa Team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located at Umm Hurair-1, First Street, Bur Dubai.

The Consulate’s business hours are Sun-Thurs, 0830- 1700. The Consulate is closed on UAE and U.S. holidays.

Consulate Contact Numbers

Main number: +971-4-309-4000

Website: https://ae.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/dubai/

Nearby Posts

Embassy Abu Dhabi: https://ae.usembassy.gov/

Consulate Guidance

For questions about U.S. visas, please contact the U.S. Consulate General’s Consular section via email. For questions about American Citizen Services (ACS), please email the U.S. Consulate General’s Consular section.

The U.S. Consulate General also sends updated information regarding security threats to registered U.S. citizens within its consular district via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) notification system. The RSO encourages all American visitors to enroll online in STEP.

Additional Resources

UAE Country Information Sheet