Published: November 14, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State UAE Travel Advisory and UAE Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
44 Al Safarat St., Embassies Area, Abu Dhabi.
Tel: +971-2-414-2200; After-hours emergency: +971-50-611-5936.
Hours of Operation: 0730 – 1700 Monday to Thursday and 0730 – 1130 Friday.
U.S. Consulate Dubai
Corner of Al Seef St. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd., Umm Hurair-1, Bur Dubai
Tel: +971-4-309-4000
Hours of Operation: 0730 – 1700 Monday to Thursday and 0730 – 1130 Friday
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The UAE country chapter meets on a regular basis. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
UAE Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed the United Arab Emirates as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests or personnel.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the UAE.
Crime: General Threat
Limited criminal statistics for the UAE are published and major cities, including Dubai, release press reports and social media posts related to criminal activity. In comparison to reported crime in similarly sized cities worldwide, Abu Dhabi’s and Dubai's crime rates are significantly lower. Violent crimes and crimes against property do occur, although infrequently. Street crimes (e.g., pickpocketing, shoplifting, petty theft) occur, but weapons are rarely involved. Most crime is believed to occur in areas populated primarily by lower-income, temporary laborers originating from other countries. Violent criminal acts are very rare and occur mostly within third-country national communities.
ATM skimming devices, which criminals install to capture data from cards, have been discovered in the past and travelers should be cautious when using ATMs in the UAE.
Scammers are notoriously known to mislead victims through fraudulent calls, links to websites, and fake SMS or WhatsApp messages. Typically, fraudsters impersonate government institutions and seek to obtain identity and banking information. These acts are investigated seriously in the UAE and often result in imprisonment and/or fines against the perpetrators. Local police urge the public not to share their confidential information with anyone, such as their account or card information, online banking passwords or ATM security number (CCV), “pin,” or password. Local police further urge the public to go to the nearest police station to promptly report any calls received that request banking details. Please read the cybersecurity section of this report for further information.
Call the UAE security services at 8002626 or send an SMS to 2828 to support police efforts to combat fraud and protect the community from risks.
Crime: Areas of Concern
There are no off-limits areas for U.S. government personnel in the UAE. However, industrial areas, neighborhoods where the lower-income expatriate workforce resides, and labor camps are generally considered to have higher crime rates.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
While kidnapping has occurred in the UAE, the U.S. Department of State does not consider it a major concern.
Due to limited crime reporting and statics in the UAE, the threat is difficult to assess. While the U.S. Mission to the UAE assesses that the threat of kidnapping is likely low.
Child victims of international parental child abduction have been wrongfully taken to or retained in the UAE. Because the UAE is not a party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the U.S. government’s ability to obtain the return of these children or otherwise assist is very limited.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abu Dhabi and Dubai as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the UAE, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. The UAE's normalization of relations with Israel in September 2020 increased the potential for attacks in the UAE, including by Iran-backed entities. Separately, rebel groups operating in Yemen have stated an intent to attack neighboring countries, including the UAE using missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones). Despite the UAE's robust security apparatus, terrorist groups have threatened to target the UAE. Continued threats from terrorist groups directed against U.S. interests worldwide require that U.S. citizens remain alert, maintain a low profile, and incorporate good security practices into their daily activities.
In November 2024, a UAE-based Israeli-Moldovan dual national was found dead in Al Ain near the country’s border with Oman three days after he was reported missing. UAE authorities reported the arrest of three suspects in coordination with Turkey and subsequently convicted them of kidnapping and murder. Emirati authorities had not established a motive by year’s end, but Israeli officials stated the victim was targeted because he was Jewish.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Abu Dhabi and Dubai as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the UAE. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven semiautonomous emirates with a resident population of over 10 million, of whom an estimated 11% are citizens. The rulers of the seven emirates constitute the Federal Supreme Council, the country’s highest legislative and executive body. The council selects a president and a vice president from its membership, and the president appoints the prime minister and cabinet. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is president of the United Arab Emirates. The emirates are under patriarchal rule with political allegiance defined by loyalty to tribal leaders, leaders of the individual emirates, and leaders of the federation. A limited, appointed electorate participates in periodic elections for the partially elected Federal National Council, a consultative body that examines, reviews, and recommends changes to legislation and may discuss topics for legislation. The last election was in October 2023, when appointed voters elected 20 Federal National Council members. The next election will be in 2027. Citizens may express their concerns directly to their leaders through traditional consultative mechanisms such as the open majlis (forum).
Protests & Demonstrations
The UAE government must pre-authorize political demonstrations, which are extremely rare. On rare occasions, laborers may protest work conditions. These demonstrations are usually small and are quickly addressed by local police.
In July 2024, 57 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested (but later pardoned and deported) for participation in a rare unsanctioned protest against their home government.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western sentiment is not prevalent in the UAE.
Law Enforcement
Call 999 for police, 998 for medical emergencies, and 997 for fire. The 999 system functions like 911 in the United States and may dispatch any/all emergency service.
U.S. citizens detained or arrested should notify the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.
U.S. citizens are subject to UAE laws and regulations. Four of the seven emirates (Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain) share a federal judicial system. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras al-Khaimah each have their own judicial systems, legal procedures, and penalties independent from the other emirates. Violating Emirati law can result in arrest, prison, fines, and deportation.
Each emirate maintains a local police force that enforces their respective emirate’s laws autonomously. The emirates enforce federal laws within their emirate in coordination with each other under the federal Ministry of Interior. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
UAE law enforcement agencies rely heavily on technology to investigate crime and enforce the law. The police use fingerprint and iris-scan technology and have a national registry for expatriates living and working in the UAE. Authorities have installed smart cameras with facial recognition technology to detect potential violations and identify wanted persons. Cameras are present in government and public locations and roadways, in taxis and public transport, and hotels. Police responding to reports of crime may not always provide the same level of service as in the United States. Many police officers below the rank of Warrant Officer are from the expatriate community and are hesitant to make independent decisions and may not speak English. Most Emirati officers have higher levels of education and greater English-language ability. An Emirati police supervisor usually makes all decisions beyond routine matters.
Police do not generally respond to minor traffic accidents, particularly when there are no injuries. In Abu Dhabi, officers from Saaed (a road service contracted by the Abu Dhabi Police) will respond to the accident scene. If they cannot determine who is at fault, they will contact the Abu Dhabi Traffic Police to resolve the situation. Both parties in an accident may have to go to the local police station for further resolution. In Dubai, concerned parties should report the accident through the Dubai Police's mobile app or go to the local police station to obtain a police report.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE. Unsafe driving practices are common. Reckless drivers, fog, unmarked speed bumps, and drifting sand create unsafe and challenging road conditions. Drivers display varying degrees of skill, aggression, and attention, and often maneuver erratically at high rates of speed, demonstrating little care or courtesy. Excessive speed, tailgating, and lack of speed/lane discipline by the diverse population, as well as the occasionally diminished visibility due to heavy fog or sand, are the most common causes of serious accidents. Defensive driving is necessary. The growing number of vehicles and continuous construction strains the road networks, particularly in Dubai. However, the roads are well built and generally in good condition. Roadways often struggle to handle the high traffic volume, especially during peak traffic periods.
Traffic lights may go from green to red quickly (the green will flash prior to changing to a very brief amber and then turn red, and drivers may come to an abrupt stop, causing rear-end collisions at intersections. Vehicles frequently turn from non-designated turn lanes at major intersections, and taxis make frequent stops in undesignated locations to pick up passengers. Traffic circle behavior can be counterintuitive; drivers frequently take right turns from the inside traffic lanes. Drivers of vehicles that hit the rear of another vehicle are automatically considered at fault in an accident, even if the driver was cut off by the other car. Drivers should avoid remaining in the far-left lane on highways and expressways, as vehicles often approach at high rates of speed and aggressively tailgate.
Authorities strictly enforce traffic laws with cameras and radar. Red light offenses are especially serious, resulting in large fines, demerit points on a driver's license, and possible jail time, combined with impounding the offending vehicle for up to 30 days. In the Abu Dhabi Emirate, the posted speed limit is in fact the enforced speed limit, and drivers will be ticketed and fined for going even one kilometer per hour above the posted limit. Throughout the UAE, seatbelt use is mandatory, and drivers are prohibited from using or handling their cell phones while on the road. Avoid engaging in road rage and making rude or offensive gestures or comments while driving, as authorities have arrested and prosecuted expatriates over rude gestures that are not considered punishable by law in their home countries.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation is generally safe and reliable in the UAE. Dubai has an extensive automated metro rail system that provides transportation throughout the metropolitan area.
Aviation Concerns
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). During previous conflicts between Israel and Iran, air carriers canceled or rerouted flights for a short time due to the threat of missile attacks; all travelers should be prepared for these changes and monitor for updates with their airline.
The FAA has assessed the Government of the United Arab Emirates’ Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of UAE air carrier operations.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights
Maritime Security
For the past several years, oil and transport ships, including several linked to Israel, have been attacked and seized off the coast of the UAE. Recent tensions in the region pose an increased threat to maritime security in the Arabian Sea/Persian Gulf. Commercial vessels continue to be targeted for attack or seizure by Iran and/or its proxies. In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration issued MSCI Advisory 2025-012 regarding threats to commercial vessels as evidenced by recent Houthi attacks from Yemen.
The UAE and Iran have had a long-standing dispute concerning jurisdiction of Abu Musa, an island approximately 20 miles from Dubai. Fishing or sailing in these waters has in the past resulted in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran. Recent incidents include the April 2023 Iranian seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman, the May 2023 Iranian seizure of a Panama-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, and the January 2024 Iranian seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel in the Arabian Sea. Obtaining consular assistance in Iran for U.S. citizens is difficult and can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited U.S. consular services.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in the UAE, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the UAE.
The UAE constitution and laws prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The law allows for individuals detained under state security-related charges to be held for up to 106 days without charges. Family member and consular visits with detainees are conducted by recorded video calls, with few opportunities for face-to-face visits. Inmates report overcrowding in some facilities. Some inmates report that they are prevented from discussing their cases or detention conditions. While the government does not routinely notify diplomatic officials of arrests, inmates are generally able to contact their embassy or consulate by phone from the detention facility.
Crimes of financial fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment or late payment of bills (such as hotel bills, hospital bills, traffic or parking fines, and late payment of credit cards, utility bills) are regarded seriously in the UAE and often result in imprisonment, fines, and/or exit bans. Exit bans prevent the visitor from departing the UAE until their debt is satisfied and are used more often than imprisonment for non-fraud financial crimes. A personal check written as a guarantee for the payment of a personal or business debt may be submitted to a local bank for collection at any time for the full amount of the check. If the account holder does not have sufficient funds, they may be charged with passing a bad check. Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Debtors can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the parties. The UAE government may seize passports to guarantee that debtors settle their cases. Financial cases may be further complicated by debtors under an exit ban being unable to work in the UAE without passports while still being held responsible for their debts.
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban.
The government investigates, prosecutes, and punishes officials who commit abuses. There have been isolated reports of government corruption. There have been no public reports of impunity involving officials, but there is also no publicly available information on whether authorities investigate complaints of police abuses, including prison conditions and mistreatment.
Nepotism and conflict of interest in government appointments and contract allocations exist. The Ministries of Interior and Justice and the state audit institutions are responsible for combating government corruption.
Health Concerns
For emergency medical services in the UAE, dial 998 but 999 will route any/all emergency calls accordingly.
Adequate health facilities are available, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. While most common conditions can be appropriately treated in the UAE, complex medical conditions may be better treated in the United States. Providers may recommend a large number of procedures and tests, some of which may be unnecessary. Ambulance services are widely available.
Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient, except in emergencies. Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
Find contact information for available medical services and air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the UAE. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Travelers are allowed to bring narcotic medicine and psychotropics (controlled medications) with them within the limits of a quantity that does not exceed the patient's need for a maximum period of three months with a prescription. Prescriptions should include the patient’s full name, medicine name with the dose, dosage form & duration of treatment, date of issuance, and name of physician. The prescription should be issued within the last three months & recognized/ stamped by the healthcare facility the patient is following up in. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging.
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are prohibited in the UAE, and possession of such substances without the appropriate approval is generally treated the same as possession of illegal narcotics. All travelers can seek prior approval, via an online form, before carrying certain types of medications, narcotics, or chemical substances to or through the UAE. The service can be accessed directly on the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s website, where travelers can also find updated lists of prohibited medications requiring prior approval.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water in the UAE is potable, but most people use bottled water for consumption.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the UAE.
UAE cities often have poor air quality due to airborne sand, dust from the surrounding desert, transportation, and industrial pollution, which create air quality-related health risks. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include infants; children; teens; people over 65 years of age; people with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; people with heart disease or diabetes; and people who work or are active outdoors.
Cybersecurity
U.S. citizens have been the victims of online scams (especially those targeting bank customers), malware attacks, and electronic extortion in the UAE. Criminals contact victims through the internet, including dating websites. These con artists usually pose as U.S. citizens who have unexpectedly experienced a medical, legal, financial or other type of emergency in that UAE that requires immediate financial assistance. Co-conspirators may pose as UAE-based lawyers or medical professionals to verify the story and the supposed urgent need for cash. Some victims have lost tens of thousands of dollars from such scams. Email scams have become increasingly sophisticated using fake websites and communications purporting to be from a legitimate businesses or organizations (to include the U.S. Embassy and Consulate and the U.S. Ambassador). Recipients of such emails soliciting emergency assistance or unsolicited offers to do business with the U.S. government should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
There has been an increase in scam artists posing as UAE authorities to include impersonating police officers over the phone. Scams include conspirators requesting that the victim provide a one-time pin (OTP) provided via cellular phone text or commercial messaging application to access various accounts to withdraw money or bill a credit card. Never give out sensitive information to an unsolicited caller. v
There have been numerous documented instances of online surveillance used to track dissidents in the country and abroad. These include reports the UAE government has purchased spyware, including NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, and employed foreign cyber-experts to bolster its own hacking capabilities. NGOs and media outlets reported that activists, journalists, politicians, and dissidents were targeted in systematic hacking campaigns.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Import/Export Restrictions
UAE airports have extremely rigorous screening standards, strictly forbidding seemingly innocuous items. Items such as small cutting blades, any weapons, inert or live ammunition or components (even expended), law enforcement or military tools or equipment, and specialized communications equipment should not be imported without prior UAE government approval. Transport of these items into or through the UAE is a violation of UAE law; authorities will detain and may seize the items and arrest anyone carrying them. Individuals may be subject to imprisonment, hefty fines, and deportation. Authorities have arrested U.S. citizens, even though airlines and U.S. authorities allowed shipment on a U.S. originating flight. In addition, any items containing THC or cannabis oil, even just a residue, will result in detention or arrest.
Importation of the following items is also prohibited under UAE law: pornographic material, non-Islamic religious pamphlets for missionary activities, e-cigarettes, fireworks, ivory, chemical and organic fertilizers, laser pointers, radar jammers/other unauthorized communication devices, products and medications containing cannabidiol (CBD), endangered animal species, and any objects, sculptures, paintings, books or magazines that do not adhere to the religious and moral values of the UAE. Possession of any of these items can lead to detention and lengthy jail sentences.
Satellite phones are permitted in the UAE, although authorities have in the past seized these because they believed them to be radios A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
