United Arab Emirates

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. There will usually be personnel available who speak English well.

• Dial 999 for police
• Dial 998 for ambulance

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Business and institutions associated with the United States
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Terrorist groups

• ISIS, al-Qa'ida, Iran-aligned proxies, and related groups continue to plan attacks against foreign targets.
• Attacks may include suicide operations, assassination, kidnapping, hijacking, and bombing.
• The UAE government maintains a Local Terrorist List covering both organizations and individuals.
• Review our information on Terrorism.

High-risk alerts

U.S. citizens in the UAE should stay aware of regional and local security risks. Terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remain a serious concern.

• In March and April 2026, Iran launched more than 2,000 missiles and drones against the UAE. Iranian-based proxies based in Iraq and Yemen have attacked the UAE, targeting critical infrastructure.
• Jewish and Israeli communities in the UAE have been targeted by extremists in the UAE. U.S. citizens were advised in March 2026 to avoid locations in the UAE associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities, including places of worship, due to threats of attacks on these sites.
• Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations.

Boating

The UAE and Iran have had a long-standing dispute concerning jurisdiction of Abu Musa Island, approximately 20 miles from Dubai.

• Fishing or sailing in these waters might result in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran.
• Getting consular help in Iran for U.S. citizens is difficult. It can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited U.S. consular services.

Demonstrations

• Organizing or participating in demonstrations is generally prohibited in the UAE. It can lead to arrest or detention.

Crime

• Violent crimes and crimes against property in the UAE are rare. However, U.S. citizens should take the same security precautions in the UAE that one would practice in the United States or any large city abroad.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in the UAE, or by scammers who claim to be in the UAE. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a romantic relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through social media and dating sites, with relationships lasting months before the request for financial assistance finally comes. Scammers often pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• People claiming to be affiliated with Emirati royal families
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites:

• Criminals might use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Individuals can dial 999 to report crimes to the local police. English-speaking personnel will respond to calls. Crime victims might not be able to depart the UAE while an investigation is pending.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate and local law enforcement for assistance.

• The UAE has strict rules about interactions between men and women and drinking alcohol in public. Public signs of affection between couples are generally discouraged.
• Local customs expect conservative speech, dress, and behavior, depending on the Emirate.

Warning about reporting sexual assault

• Some victims of sexual assault have been prosecuted for having sex outside of marriage.
• The law requires strong proof that the sex was not agreed to.
• If the victim cannot prove sexual assault happened, both the victim and the other person can be prosecuted.
• Some people have been sentenced to jail and deported.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Be aware that Emirati authorities can monitor your communications and will take action against you should you send or post a message that they deem harmful to the UAE or public safety/morals. Some commonly-used video messaging apps are prohibited in the UAE. Use of such prohibited video messaging apps may result in fines for the users.

Drones

Drones are prohibited in certain areas. Flying them might result in arrest and imprisonment.

• You must have prior approval before arriving to the UAE to fly a drone. Do not operate drones without prior approval from local authorities.
• More information can be found on the Ministry of Industry page.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path might not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is generally regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.
• Dangerous areas and activities are generally marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

ATV and dune buggy use

Exercise caution when participating in high-risk activities such as dune buggy rides or ATV excursions.

• Accidents and injuries are common.
• Do not book tours to Socotra Island, Yemen from UAE tour operators. Yemen is a Level 4: Do Not Travel country. Any travel there, including to Socotra Island, is strongly discouraged for any reason.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be arrested, deported, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Each emirate in the UAE has its own independent judicial system. Legal procedures and penalties vary throughout the country.
• The UAE will often impose exit bans on U.S. citizens who have ongoing criminal cases or have not paid fines resulting from a conviction. See above for more information regarding exit bans.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in the UAE seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

• UAE authorities do not routinely notify the U.S. embassy or consulate of a U.S. citizen’s arrest.
• The U.S. embassy or consulate may be prohibited from providing consular services to U.S. citizens who did not enter the UAE on their U.S. passport or who are Emirati-American dual nationals.

Alcohol

Alcohol is available and sold in all Emirates, including at liquor stores and some restaurants and hotels, except the Emirate of Sharjah. Drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal in the emirate of Sharjah.

• Public drunkenness and driving under the influence are illegal, regardless of blood alcohol content level. These are considered very serious offenses.
• Penalties may include long jail sentences and substantial fines.
• If you are arrested on an alcohol-related offense, you could be detained for a long time until a court hearing is scheduled.

Drugs

There is a zero tolerance for drugs considered illegal in the UAE, including drugs in the bloodstream that were consumed before traveling to the UAE.

• If suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be required to submit to a blood or urine test and may be subject to prosecution.
• Penalties for trafficking, smuggling, and possession are severe. Convicted offenders can receive heavy fines and long prison sentences.
• Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE. Possession or importation of CBD products, including those found in prescription and over the counter medications in the United States and other countries, are prosecuted in the same manner as marijuana possession.
• Holding a U.S. prescription for medical marijuana will not help you avoid penalties. The UAE's anti-narcotics program also includes poppy seeds on its list of controlled substances. The importation and possession of poppy seeds in any form, including dried decorative plants, is strictly prohibited.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines available in the United States are considered controlled substances in the UAE.  Carry a valid prescription (issued within the last three months) and medical report (issued within the last year), both stamped by your healthcare facility and including full patient and medication details. Application for prior approval is available via the Emirates Drug Establishment portal. If you arrive without the required documentation and prior approval, you may not be allowed into the country or you may be prosecuted.  
• If you have questions regarding the items on the list of controlled substances, contact the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.
• For more detailed information on this topic, review the Prescription Medication section.

Codes of behavior

Public decency and morality laws in the UAE are much stricter than in the United States.

• You can be punished for public displays of affection or immodesty. 
• While extramarital sex is no longer a federal offense in the UAE, you can still be jailed if a husband or guardian files a complaint.
• Pregnancy outside of marriage can be punished by jail time if one or both parents do not get proper documentation for the child.

Actions that can get you arrested

You may be arrested, fined, or deported for:

• making rude gestures
• swearing
• touching another person without their permission
• making derogatory statements about the UAE, the royal families, the local governments, or other people
• Many different cultures exist in the UAE. Your actions, including what you wear, may attract unwanted attention.

Dress code

Dress modestly and carefully, especially during Ramadan. 

• Government offices and some public spaces, including shopping malls, require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. 
• Be careful not to send unintended political messages through clothing choices. 
• Wearing soccer jerseys or other attire featuring the name or symbols of countries involved in conflicts has led to arrests in the UAE.

Debt and financial crimes

Financial crimes are taken very seriously in the UAE and often result in jail time, fines, or a combination thereof. Financial crimes include:

• Passing bad checks – If you do not have sufficient funds in your account, you might be charged with passing a bad check. A personal check written as a guarantee for the payment of a personal or business debt might be submitted to a local bank for collection at any time for the full amount of the check.
• Not paying bills or paying them late – This includes hotel bills, hospital bills, traffic or parking fines, and late payment of credit cards, utility bills, etc.

Non-residents arrested for these crimes usually cannot get bail. You could be held in jail until you pay the debts or reach a settlement. UAE authorities may take your passport or place an exit ban on you to make sure you settle your case.

• Review our information on exit bans.

Photography

Be careful when taking photographs in the UAE. You can be arrested, detained, or prosecuted for taking photographs of:

• people and their belongings (this includes people in the background of photos)
• UAE military facilities
• sensitive civilian sites
• airports
• some beaches
• foreign diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General

Watch for signs that say photography is not allowed. Taking photographs in front of flags of countries involved in current conflicts have resulted in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Mapping activities

• Using GPS equipment for mapping without permission from UAE authorities can result in arrest or other legal consequences.
• This does not apply to using publicly available online maps.

Social media

UAE laws about internet and social media use are strict.

• Do not post insults or negative information about governments, institutions, or people. These posts can result in fines, jail time, or deportation.
• People have been arrested and convicted for posting information on social media that local authorities decided was disturbing public order in the UAE. This includes posting content on sites like Facebook, X, YouTube, etc.
• Social media influencers must apply for trade and e-media licenses to promote brands on social media in the UAE.
• For more information, visit the UAE National Media Council website.

Fundraising and charity

There are strict rules for charity and fundraising activities in the UAE.

• It is against the law to conduct any private fundraising activity online, including on popular fundraising websites for personal causes. 
• Consult a local attorney before engaging in these activities.

Employment in the UAE

You must get a work permit to work in the UAE. Usually, a local sponsor is required and will help you with the process. 

• Local sponsors may try to hold your passport. This is illegal under UAE law.
• Working in the UAE on a tourist visa is forbidden and might result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Employment contracts

Make sure all terms and conditions of your employment or sponsorship are clearly written in your labor contract at the start.

• If you have a dispute, contact the UAE Ministry of Labor, which has established a department to review and arbitrate labor claims.
• Be aware of the requirements when you leave your job in the UAE. If you leave your job without properly canceling your employment visa, your employer can file charges against you. This can lead to fines, imprisonment, exit bans, or deportation. 
• The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate do not intercede in employment disputes.

National ID card

The government of the UAE requires that all people living in the country have a national identification card.

• U.S. citizens who are working or living in the UAE should visit the Emirates Identity Authority website for more information on card registration procedures and requirements.

Document authentications

UAE authorities often request authenticated personal documents like marriage and birth certificates, diplomas, and custody orders for U.S. citizens and their dependents living and working in the UAE. 

• The U.S. Embassy and Consulate cannot authenticate U.S. civil or educational documents. 
• Authenticate your U.S. civil documents with the State Department’s Office of Authentications prior to arriving in the UAE.
• State-issued documents should be authenticated by the Secretary of State’s office of the issuing state before submitting to the Office of Authentications.
• Once a document is authenticated by the Office of Authentications, it generally needs a final authentication by the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.
• For information, contact the State Department’s Office of Authentications.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They might be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You might be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Religious proselytizing is illegal in the UAE. The UAE is tolerant of different religions and offers many places of worship for non-Muslims. However, avoid preaching, proselytizing, or distributing religious literature or material.

Do not engage in other religious activities that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values.

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations and cross-dressing are illegal in the UAE.

While the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General are not aware of any recent arrests or prosecutions for consensual same-sex relations, you should be aware of these laws.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in the UAE prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities (referred to as “people of determination” in the UAE). The law is enforced.
• Accessibility is common in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. However, people with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations somewhat different than what they would find in the United States.
• Public transportation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other populous areas, particularly in tourist areas, is generally wheelchair accessible. However, the buses that connect Dubai with the other emirates in the UAE are not.
• The UAE government refers to persons with disabilities as “people of determination.”
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as common as in the United States.
• For more information, review the site Rights of Persons with Disabilities in UAE.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers, Marriage, Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), and Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) UAE Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 999 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in United Arab Emirates. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may result in an exit ban that prevents departure from the UAE until medical bills are paid in full.
• Most care providers in the UAE accept credit card payment.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Public hospitals may begin treatment, especially emergency treatment, without proof of ability to pay but will generally expect payment down the road.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover medical costs, as well as supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

• No vaccine is required for travelers coming directly from the United States; however, travelers arriving from yellow fever risk countries must be vaccinated if aged 9 months or older, including those with layovers over 12 hours. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available throughout the UAE. It might be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors generally require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Staff generally speak excellent English. Patients might have to cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services might be limited in outlying areas.
• Helpful resources
• Check the Government of the UAE’s website or the Government of Dubai’s website for more information. Entry requirements are different depending on the location of medical treatment (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or the northern emirates).
• Review The Dubai Health Experience website. It has a list of medical providers, wellness partners, hotel partners, airline partners, medical facilitators, travel facilitators, and travel agents vetted and approved by the Government of Dubai for medical tourists. It also explains rights and responsibilities of patients treated in Dubai as well as the process of filing medical complaints.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want to pursue healthcare abroad, you need to know that other countries’ medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to the UAE.
• Consider supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in the UAE.
• Although the UAE has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in the UAE, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.  
• If you are traveling for medical purposes, you will need a “medical” visa, sponsored by the respective medical establishments.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Embassy UAE website of the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, for further information on medications permitted in the UAE.
• If your medication is not included on the list of pre-approved medications for importation to the UAE, you can apply on the Emirates Drug Establishment website. for a special permit to bring it with you.
• The UAE does not allow the importation of controlled narcotic and psychotropic medications without a special permit. Opiates, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medicines, medicines for ADHD, etc. fall into the category of controlled medications.
• The UAE does not allow the importation of products containing cannabidiol (CBD), even with prescription. Avoid carrying CBD products of any type. You could be detained or arrested.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy became legal in the UAE in November 2023. Previously, it had been banned at the federal level, but this prohibition was removed. Now the practice is regulated by individual emirates. It is tightly controlled and only possible in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Surrogacy is possible in the UAE for Emiratis and expat residents, whether Muslim or not. If either member of a couple is Muslim, they must be married to pursue surrogacy.
• It is not yet clear whether parties not resident in the UAE can pursue surrogacy. If you are considering traveling to the UAE to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in the UAE via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. People who do not follow local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• The UAE often has a very high level of air pollution, much of it due to sand/particulate matter. Those with respiratory sensitivities should take special care.
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in the UAE.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• The UAE has excellent roads with smooth, multi-lane highways to all major cities. Roads are well-marked and well-lit at night.

Emergency numbers

• Dial 999 for police and 998 for ambulance.
• English-speaking personnel are always available.
• Response time by emergency services is adequate but not always consistent.
• Ambulances may provide emergency medical care on-site to stabilize patients before taking them to the hospital.

Traffic accidents

• Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE.
• Unsafe driving is common, especially on smaller highways where unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand can create dangers.
• Drivers in the UAE come from all over the world and might drive differently than American drivers.
• Roundabouts (traffic circles) do not work the same way they do in the United States. Be extra careful when driving through them or avoid them.
• Pedestrians and cyclists should also take great care on the roads of the UAE.

Driving outside cities

• Make sure you have a spare tire, extra fuel, basic tools, and bottled water in your vehicle.
• Help might not be close by if your car breaks down. Roadside assistance could take a long time to reach you.

Traffic laws

UAE traffic laws have strict penalties for certain violations, especially driving under the influence of alcohol. There is zero tolerance for driving after consuming alcohol. 

If you are involved in an accident

UAE law requires you to stay at the scene of an accident until authorities arrive.

• If you are in an accident where another person is injured, you automatically go to jail until the injured person is released from the hospital.
• If someone dies in a traffic accident, the driver of the other vehicle must pay compensation (called "dhiyya"), usually about 55,000 USD.
• Even minor accidents can result in long legal proceedings. Both drivers may not be allowed to leave the country during this time.

Driver's license

If you are just visiting the UAE, you can drive using a valid driver's license from your state. An international driver's license may be required in some emirates.

• Never drive without a valid license.
• If you live in the UAE, you must get a UAE driver's license. Foreign driver's licenses are not recognized for residents.

Other important rules

• Front seat belts are mandatory.
• Follow all speed limits posted
• You cannot make a right turn on a red light unless there is a special lane with a yield sign.
• You cannot park where the curb is painted black and yellow.
• Digital cameras are used everywhere on UAE roads to catch traffic violations, including speeding. Fines can be very high and must be paid before you leave the UAE.
• People with unpaid traffic fines may be detained at airport immigration.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Licensed taxis and ride-shares like Uber and Careem are widely available in the UAE.

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation is widely available and safe. It includes buses, trains, and taxis.

• Visit the website of the UAE’s national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that the UAE’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to UAE should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

Monitor the National Emergency and Crisis Disaster Management Authority and the National Center for Meteorology for up-to-date information.

Weather conditions

The UAE has a desert climate. It experiences extreme heat during the summer months from June to August.

Storms and flash flooding

• UAE can experience severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and high winds. Flash flooding and sandstorms can occur and result in dangerous driving conditions.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources  

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.  

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.  
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.  
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S.  taxes or registering for military selective service.  
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates