Is It Safe to Travel to Dubai Right Now?

The shortest answer to this question is, a big yes. Dubai, the city of luxury, is very much popular for being one of the safest countries in the world. Similar to all other Emirates in UAE, Dubai is governed by strict laws and regulations. Since Dubai is well monitored, it is possible to say that the probability of tourists facing violent crimes is less.  

However, some of the crimes that are most likely to be traveler-directed are scams such as – money transfers, lotteries, job offers/work permits, visa related scams and pick-pocketing.

Dubai is a major hub for all the travelers from all over the world. Therefore, obtaining a visa to enter Dubai is a must. 

UAE offers on arrival visas as well as pre-paid visas. UAE, maintains special bonds with some of the selected countries. Citizens from those countries, and travelers who hold passports from those countries are eligible to enter Dubai with an on arrival visa. All the citizens from other countries have to get a prepaid visa to visit Dubai.  

●    Getting Travel Insurance 

It is not compulsory to get travel insurance when you are traveling to Dubai. However, it is highly recommendable, to get one for yourself, and for everybody traveling with you. 

Having a travel insurance, can be helpful in instances such as:

• During medical emergencies
• In case you lose your passport or important documents
• In case you lose or damage your travel luggage 
   

No matter what, no one can surely say that any city is completely free from risks. Like in any other country, there is at least a one per cent probability for anybody to face a horrible incident in Dubai. 

Dubai, is home to a number of popular attractions and desert adventure, including indoor and outdoor activities. During your Dubai stay, you may always be outside, walking around the streets of the city, inside parks, or in heavily crowded places. So it is always best, to know the petty crimes, that can potentially make your Dubai experience worse.  

Here, are some petty crimes, that are identified to be common in UAE:

UAE, as it is mentioned earlier, is one of the safest cities to travel. The UAE government has CCTVs operating everywhere, including in public transportation modes, and sometimes, even in taxis. 

However, being aware of where you are going is a must, especially, if you are a first timer. So here are some tips for you to follow, when you are using public transportation in Dubai;

• Check if the driver’s name and identification number is posted in the taxi.
• Use licensed taxis only
• If you are traveling alone, avoid sitting in the front seat, and avoid small talk with the driver. 
• If you are a woman traveling alone, or if you are a group of women, use taxis driven by female drivers (taxis with pink roofs are women only taxis).
• Even if you are using a taxi, always be conscious of where the driver is taking you
• Never get in a taxi alone, if you are drunk. 
• Keep your valuables close to you, whenever you are using any public vehicle.

Dubai is, undoubtedly, a safe city for women travelers as well. However, it is always good to know, some safety tips when traveling to any foreign land, including Dubai:

• Avoid going out during the night, if you are alone
• Stay in groups or pairs
• Avoid making small talk with strangers, especially when you are using a taxi
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers
• Never leave your food or drinks unattended
• Wear clothes with less exposure (dress conservatively) 

Dubai is all about fun and adventure. Although it is a safer country for all the tourists around the world, there will always be potential risks. Sometimes safety risks can also occur, from your own actions and behavior. Therefore, wherever we go, we must be responsible for our own safety as well. 

So here are some safety precautions you must remember, before having fun;

●    Safety in the Beach/Sea

It is, usually, very safe to swim in the beaches in Dubai. However, you must be mindful, of the safety signs displayed close to beaches;

Red flag :- not safe to swim

Yellow flag :- can swim but be safe

Purple flag :- an area with harmful water creatures

●    Safety While Hiking

Hiking is another adventurous activity, available in Dubai. Always make sure to plan your hiking adventure, during the winter season. 

Carry lots of water

Always be sure of the route you are choosing for the hiking

Wear hiking boots

Wear suitable clothes and headgear

Apply sunscreen 

●    Safety in the Deserts

Another fun adventure, in Dubai, is the desert rides. We can guarantee to all travelers that this will be a mind-blowing and a memorable experience to your life. But you know, deserts are super hot and sunny, and that is why, you must be cautious of your own safety. So here are some safety tips for you;

Have lots of water with you

Bring snacks

Carry a first aid kit with you

Book your desert trip with a reputable tour operator, to make your desert experience tireless

If planning to spend the night, bring warmer clothes, because the temperature starts decreasing, after the evening

●    Safety Under the Sun

Dubai is a very hot city. Even if it is the winter season, you can witness sunshine, all around the year. So protecting yourself from the sun rays must be one of your priorities. Here’s what you can do;

Wear sunscreen, whenever you are stepping out into the sun

Drink plenty of water all day

Wear something comfortable that can protect your skin from direct sunlight

Take regular breaks under shade, while walking on the streets

Wear hats and sunglasses
 

In a situation, where you need medical assistance and need to be hospitalized, it is always advisable, to dial 998 in order to request an ambulance or an air ambulance, to take you to a nearby hospital. 

If you have no clue of your whereabouts, tell the name of a landmark that is close to where you are. This way, it will make it easy, for the ambulance, to the exact place you are.

Other emergency numbers in Dubai you need to know:

• Police :- 999
• Ambulance :- 998
• Fire Department :- 997
• Coastguard :- 996

As a first timer traveling to Dubai, it is very common to ask questions such as - “is it safe to travel to Dubai right now?”. Yes – it is safe to travel to Dubai, but like in any other country, there is potential for small crimes, even in luxurious cities like Dubai.

So, if you are visiting all the beautiful places in Dubai, as a first timer, make sure to follow the below instructions, to keep yourself out of any safety risks;

• Know the laws and regulations in Dubai, and follow them
• Dress in a suitable way to respect the local culture
• Keep your valuables always with you
• Refrain from drinking alcohol in public places
• Night life is great in Dubai, but remember to travel in groups
• Be extra careful around ATMs 
• Use local transport apps or official sites to book taxis or rent vehicles