United Arab Emirates

Recommended Vaccinations For United Arab Emirates

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For United Arab Emirates

There are no recommendations for United Arab Emirates at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for United Arab Emirates

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in United Arab Emirates.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in United Arab Emirates through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies occurs in United Arab Emirates, but information is limited.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to UAE are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in United Arab Emirates, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in United Arab Emirates

Personal Safety

The UAE maintains one of the lowest crime rates globally. Violent crime directed at tourists is extremely rare due to extensive surveillance systems and strict law enforcement. Petty crimes like pickpocketing occur in crowded tourist areas and souks, though incidents remain significantly lower than in major cities worldwide. The homicide rate sits at approximately 3.46 per 100,000 inhabitants. You face minimal risk from theft or assault, but remain aware of your belongings in crowded spaces. The country enforces zero-tolerance policies on drugs, with possession of even trace amounts resulting in minimum four-year sentences. Public behavior laws differ sharply from Western norms. Public displays of affection, including kissing or prolonged hand-holding, can result in arrest and imprisonment. Offensive language, rude gestures, and photography of people without consent constitute criminal offenses with fines up to 500,000 AED and potential jail time. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited and can lead to legal consequences.

Extreme Violence

The UAE experienced no terrorist incidents in 2023 according to US State Department reports. The country maintains robust counterterrorism efforts and advanced security infrastructure. However, regional tensions create a medium-level terrorism risk. In January 2022, Houthi rebels attacked oil infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating the potential for regional conflict spillover. Western governments advise heightened vigilance around locations associated with Jewish and Israeli communities, tourist sites, transportation hubs, and shopping areas. The threat level remains elevated due to the UAE’s involvement in Yemen and other regional conflicts. Kidnapping and violent crime against tourists are virtually nonexistent. The country’s extensive surveillance network, rapid police response capabilities, and severe penalties for violent offenses maintain exceptionally low rates of extreme violence. The security apparatus operates sophisticated monitoring systems across major cities, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Visitors should maintain situational awareness during large gatherings and follow local authority guidance if security incidents occur. The UAE government closely monitors potential threats and maintains coordination with international security partners.

Political Unrest

Public protests and demonstrations are illegal in the UAE without government authorization. The country bans political parties, labor unions, and free assembly. Authorities maintain strict control over public expression and political activity. In July 2024, UAE authorities arrested and convicted 57 Bangladeshi nationals within 24 hours for participating in peaceful solidarity protests, with sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. All defendants were subsequently pardoned and released in September 2024. The government prosecutes individuals for social media posts deemed critical of UAE, Egyptian, or Jordanian governments. Wearing clothing associated with political causes, including Palestinian keffiyehs or rainbow colors, can result in detention. The UAE conducted a mass trial of 78 Emirati dissidents in 2024 on terrorism charges, with significant due process violations reported by international human rights organizations. Political expression remains heavily censored both online and offline. Authorities block websites, monitor social media activity, and prosecute individuals for spreading what they deem false information, with penalties up to three years imprisonment and fines reaching 1 million dirhams. Visitors should avoid any political activities, refrain from criticism of government policies or officials, and understand that actions considered free speech elsewhere constitute serious crimes in the UAE. The political environment remains stable with no popular unrest, but civic space is completely closed.

Areas To Avoid

The UAE has no genuinely dangerous neighborhoods in the traditional sense. Crime rates remain uniformly low across all emirates. However, certain areas warrant additional awareness. In Dubai, the neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai contain seedy hotels and are known for prostitution and other illegal activities. The Naif Street Bus Terminal area can feel uncomfortable at night, particularly for women. Souks and markets across all emirates attract pickpockets due to dense tourist crowds. The Corniche area in Abu Dhabi sees higher rates of petty theft targeting tourists. Sonapur, a labor camp area housing migrant workers in difficult conditions, is not recommended for tourists due to both poverty concerns and potential discomfort. The nearby emirate of Sharjah enforces Islamic law more strictly than Dubai, with complete prohibition of alcohol and more conservative behavioral expectations. Remote desert areas pose risks from extreme temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, sandstorms, and poor mobile reception. Off-road driving without proper equipment and convoy support can prove dangerous. Coastal waters present hazards from strong rip currents that can sweep swimmers out to sea despite calm appearances. Beaches should only be used where lifeguards are present and warning flags observed. Industrial areas where migrant workers live may have standing water and inadequate infrastructure, particularly after flooding events.