Safety in Dubai

There are so many reasons to holiday in Dubai, from year-round sunshine and iconic attractions to Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class live entertainment. But did you know that Dubai is also one of the world's safest cities? Bring your loved ones to the ultimate family-friendly destination and enjoy an unforgettable vacation, where your safety, security and happiness are paramount. 

Dubai Police has a dedicated department to address any issues that tourists may face during their stay, such as lost mobile phones or bags. You can contact Dubai Tourism Police by calling the 24-hour hotline on 901, emailing touristpolice@dubaipolice.gov.ae or downloading the Dubai Police app, where you can also discover more about the UAE’s laws and guidelines. 

In the meantime, here's our guide to staying safe during your time in Dubai.

Police, medical emergency, fire and coastguard numbers

All about safety in Dubai

Dubai has long held a reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, which was reinforced by a 2023 report from Numbeo, an international provider of data on economic and social subjects. According to Numbeo's data-driven report, Dubai is the fifth-safest city in the world, with an overall safety index of 83.7.

Numbeo's report confirms Dubai's low crime rate, and also gives the city high scores for being able to walk alone during both the day and night. Of course, this won't come as news to anyone who has visited Dubai – the emirate takes the safety of residents and visitors extremely seriously.

But in even the safest cities there are always risks: safety isn't just about stopping things from happening to people, it is also about people taking responsibility for their own actions, and avoiding reckless or irresponsible behaviour. That's why visitors are encouraged to read through the guide below so they can understand how to keep themselves safe in Dubai.

Staying safe on the roads and driving rules in Dubai

If you plan to drive a car during your time in Dubai, it’s vital to know the city’s road safety laws. To rent a car, you must have an international driving licence and be aged 21 or older. Seat belts are mandatory for everyone, while kids up to four years old must be placed in a child safety seat. There is a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving and it is important that you remain calm while behind the wheel. Do not swear or make rude hand gestures at other drivers, as road rage incidents such as these can become a police matter. 

You can find information on the rules of the road on the UAE government's page on the country's traffic laws.

Staying safe in the Dubai sea

It is very safe to swim in the sea off the beaches in Dubai. Nonetheless, you should take necessary precautions when going for a dip. Firstly, before you get in the water, look out for one of three coloured flags – a red flag means it is not safe to swim, a yellow flag means you should swim with caution and a purple flag means that harmful creatures such as jellyfish have been spotted. It’s also recommended that you only swim when a lifeguard is present; you'll find them across the city's public and private beaches from sunrise to sunset every day.

In 2023, three beaches in Dubai opened for 24/7 swimming, which means you can safely enjoy a well-lit swim at these atmospheric spots in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. Aside from these beaches, you're advised not to go into the sea after sunset. 

Staying safe while hiking in Dubai

Head out of the city and discover a different side to Dubai with a hiking trip to Hatta. Be sure to bring a lot of water (it’s better to have too much than too little), prepare your route beforehand and always travel in a group. It’s best to hike during the winter, when the weather is cooler, and always wear proper hiking boots. Sunscreen and headgear are highly recommended too.

Staying safe in the Dubai desert

A trip to the majestic desert is a memorable part of any Dubai vacation, but it’s important to come prepared. While the desert is often hot and sunny during the day, temperatures can drop sharply once evening arrives – so it’s best to bring plenty of warmer clothing if you’re staying overnight. Bring lots of water and snacks too, plus a first aid kit. It’s also best to book your trip with an established tour operator, to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Protect yourself from the sun

Make sure you enjoy Dubai’s year-round sunshine to the fullest by always wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and taking regular breaks in the shade. It’s also advisable to wear a hat and sunglasses to further protect your skin, and during summer be aware that the sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm.

What to do in a medical emergency

Dial 998 for a medical emergency which requires an ambulance or an air ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital. If you don't know your exact location, try to identify a nearby landmark to help the ambulance arrive as quickly as possible. The emergency response team speaks a wide variety of languages, reflecting Dubai's multicultural population, so let it be known if you would prefer to use your native language.

Tips for first-time visitors to Dubai and rules in Dubai for tourists

You'll find people from all cultures and walks of life when you visit Dubai – so it's important to be respectful of others, just as you'd expect them to be respectful of you. And just like anywhere there are laws and rules on subjects from entry requirements to consumer rights, many of which can affect you as a tourist.

Make sure you're clued up on Dubai's rules, regulations and practicalities by reading our practical information section for visitors to Dubai. In the meantime, here are some general tips for visitors:

• Make sure to dress appropriately in public areas (e.g. swimwear and bikinis are fine to wear at the beach, but not in a shopping mall)
• Refrain from excessive displays of affection in public
• As with anywhere in the world, be kind and respectful to those around you.

Dubai Police locations

If you need to get in touch with Dubai Police, the best way in an emergency is to call 999, or 901 for the Tourism Police. And if you need to visit a physical police station, the easiest way is to search on apps such as Google Maps, or via Dubai Police's online location map.

Other useful numbers