Dubai is a glamorous middle eastern city that is known for its desert experiences, luxury dining and modern skyrises. It is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a very popular travel destination. Visitors to Dubai can shop till they drop, indulge in both traditional Arabic cuisine and fusion Michelin-starred dining or enjoy exciting desert adventures. The Dubai Museum, Mall of Emirates, Dubai Mall, Dubai’s Global Village, Ski Dubai and the striking Burj Khalifa skyscraper are some of the most popular places that tourists visit. There is such a diverse array of things to do while in Dubai so tourists are seldom bored.
As a destination that sits at the helm of architectural innovation and has become a leader in luxury travel, it is no surprise that travelers are so curious about visiting Dubai. The popular city is quite big and as a result has a large population. In fact, according to the Dubai government, the population of the city is over three million people (more accurately 3.65 million people as of January 2024). But this high population may be cause for concern for some travelers that observe how large metropolitan areas commonly have high amounts of crime. Check out this overview of Dubai’s safety and what travelers can do to have a smooth trip.
Official Travel Advisories
When traveling, tourists should stay informed of potential threats to their wellbeing. Traveling abroad to unfamiliar places can present a whole new set of challenges that, in certain circumstances, may jeopardize the safety, health or peace of tourists. It is important for travelers to utilize travel advisories that inform them on potential issues they may encounter in their particular travel destination.
The United State’s Department of State has a detailed travel advisory that is a great resource for travelers. The United Arab Emirates has been labeled as a level two destination. The level two travel advisory means that travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to places within the UAE. This includes being aware of risks since the safety conditions of the destination may change. The majority of visitors find the UAE to be a safe and secure destination. It is still recommended that travelers monitor local media for updates on potential political or civil unrest.
As a highly populated place, the overall health of Dubai is incredibly important. Travelers who are planning to go to Dubai will do well to research the environmental threats that may impact their health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that travelers should avoid bug bites, avoid sick people (that may harbor sicknesses that traveler’s immune systems are not privy to) and try not to come in contact with contaminated water. For travel tips and recommendations, travelers can also utilize the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website. Their website provides the latest updates for travelers and answers commonly asked questions about destinations.
Is Dubai Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Dubai is a safe place to visit for groups and solo travelers. Visitors commonly note that the popular city is welcoming and free from excessive crime. Dubai is actually one of the safest Middle Eastern cities for tourists to go to. But, of course, any city with such a high population and metropolitan environment will have some safety concerns. Dubai technically has a low crime rate. As of recently, the main concern in Dubai is robbery, theft and drug activity.
These are still at a low rate compared to other countries in other regions, since Dubai is heavily monitored and security is tight. Since these crimes are not very common it is rare that tourists are impacted by them. The UAE government has implemented pretty strict laws around crime, so Dubai is an exceptionally safe place to live and visit. In fact, due to these laws crime has been reduced by 63% so locals and visitors are well protected (and discouraged) from crime and danger.
How To Stay Safe in Dubai
Transportation in Dubai is generally considered to be safe. The best ways for travelers to get around is by taxi or by metro. The Dubai Metro is one of the most popular modes of transportation, since it brings passengers to and from the major attractions. It even can serve as transportation from the Dubai International airport (DXB) since the airport is about 10 miles from downtown. The majority of travelers opt to ride the metro since driving on the roads of Dubai is no easy feat. The majority of travelers would much rather take a taxi, which is the most affordable and time efficient way to get around Dubai (with fares around $6 for the airport). Solo female travelers will appreciate that there are cabs specially designed for them (and families only), which they can spot by the cab’s pink top.
In general though, the public transportation of Dubai does not pose a significant risk for travelers. Travelers in Dubai simply need to exercise regular precautions like securing their property, staying alert and doing their best to avoid navigating heavy traffic themselves.
While traveling anywhere it is important to respect the local customs and practices, it is no different in Dubai. For first time visitors to Dubai it is important to note that they may experience a bit of cultural shock. In general, people are expected to dress modestly in public areas. So, it is important for tourists to take that custom into account before traveling to Dubai. Adhering to the dress codes in place in Dubai will help travelers avoid uncomfortable travel experiences and all around ensure they have a smooth trip.
Where To Stay in Dubai
There are many great areas that tourists can stay in during their trip to Dubai. The Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai and Downtown Dubai are the most popular places for travelers to stay in. Dubai Marina and Bur Dubai are best known for their ambiance and stunning skyline views. Bur Dubai is known for its popular historic and arts district Al Fahidi. But Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina are undoubtedly the best places for first time visitors to stay, since they are the most central and are a short distance from the top attractions.
Travelers can even find accommodations in both areas which fit a range of budgets, so the hotel highlife in Dubai is definitely not gate-kept. But the choice between these areas really depends on a traveler’s preferences. Dubai Marina is, of course, waterfront but it has a lively and hip feel to it. While Downtown Dubai is the extra luxurious and iconic place that travelers have often ogled at online. Both Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai are walkable areas, compared to others.
The Best Time To Visit Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai mainly depends on the weather. Since Dubai is located directly in the Arabian Desert, travelers should be careful when they choose to visit. For travelers especially not accustomed to heat, this is a very important factor that may impact their trip. Due to the intense heat in Dubai, the best time to visit is the winter. Between November and February temperatures are the lowest. January is Dubai’s coldest month and it has low temperatures of around 70 degrees.
To avoid things like heat exhaustion, travelers should try to avoid visiting in August. It is Dubai’s hottest month and it is quite humid during this time of the year. Average temperatures in August are around 106 degrees and Dubai experiences little to no rain during the summer, so it can feel like pure heat. Persevering through unbearable weather is not an ideal way to spend a holiday in the Middle East.
People Also Ask
Is Dubai safe to walk at night? Yes, Dubai is a safe destination and has patrolling law enforcement to discourage crime. Most people feel comfortable out at night in this well lit and monitored city.
Why is crime so low in Dubai? Dubai has a proactive approach to crime which has resulted in a safer environment. Advanced security cameras and police monitoring help make this big city more safe.