Safety in Dubai- Is Dubai Safe for Tourists to Travel in Dubai 2024?
Safety in Dubai; With every aspect considered, Dubai is a secure place for tourists to visit. It is a bustling city known for its contemporary architecture, elegance, and cultural variety. It is among the most tourist-friendly cities in the Middle East. Dubai is known for its stringent regulations, low crime rate, and strong emphasis on ensuring the safety and security of both locals and tourists. Like any city, Dubai is a safe destination to visit, but to guarantee a pleasant and safe trip, visitors need to exhibit caution and awareness and follow local laws. Travellers should also be aware of cultural norms and conventions to prevent miscommunications and inadvertent offences. All things considered, visitors may have a memorable and safe trip to Dubai if they take the right safety precautions and obey local rules.
Safety in Dubai
According to 2023 research from Numbeo, a global source of statistics on social and economic issues, Dubai has long been regarded as one of the safest cities in the world. With an overall safety score of 83.7, Dubai is the fifth-safest city in the world, according to Numbeo’s data-driven analysis. In addition to confirming Dubai’s low crime rate, Numbeo’s analysis awards the city good marks for pedestrian safety throughout both day and night. Anyone who has visited Dubai would, of course, already be aware of this; the emirate places a high priority on both resident and tourist safety.
However, dangers still exist in even the safest places because safety isn’t only about preventing bad things from occurring to people; it’s also about individuals accepting accountability for their own actions and abstaining from careless or risky activity. It is thus recommended that travellers go through the instructions below to learn how to be safe in Dubai.
Emergency Numbers:
1.999 for police
2. 998 for Ambulance
3. 997 for the Fire Department (Civil Defence)
4. 996 for Coastguard
Dubai’s Possible Dangers
Theft and mugging
In general, violent crime is rare in Dubai. Nonetheless, there may be sporadic instances of pickpocketing or bag snatching, particularly in crowded places like congested public transit, bustling marketplaces, or well-liked tourist destinations.
Safeguard Your Valuables: Pay attention to your possessions, particularly in busy areas. Keep valuables in the front and zippered sections, and use anti-theft bags.
Do Not Show Off Your Wealth: Reduce the quantity of costly jewellery, technology, or big sums of money on display to prevent drawing unwarranted attention.
Pick-pocketing
Pickpocketing is particularly common during peak hours in crowded places like shopping centres, busy streets, and public transit.
Be Vigilant: Exercise caution when in busy situations and pay attention to your surroundings.
Secure Pockets: Keep everything out of the back pockets and instead choose pockets with buttons or zippers to keep your possessions safe.
Credit card skimming
Although uncommon, credit card skimming can happen at ATMs or when using an unprotected credit card.
Use Reputable ATMs: Look for ATMs that are situated in safe, well-lit spaces, ideally on bank property.
Keep an eye on transactions. Frequently: Pay close attention to your bank statements and report any questionable activity right away.
Please do not hesitate to contact the authorities if you need assistance. Any disobedience to the law is taken seriously by the police, therefore the majority of emergency line operators are multilingual. There are more foreigners living in Dubai than Arabic-speaking residents. In Dubai, English is frequently spoken. Particularly proficient in both Arabic and English are members of law enforcement and hotel personnel.
Keeping safe in the seas of Dubai
Swimming in the ocean off Dubai’s beaches is rather safe. Nevertheless, before taking a plunge, make sure you take all the required safety measures. First, before entering the water, search for one of three coloured flags: a red flag indicates that swimming is unsafe, a yellow flag advises caution, and a purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous animals like jellyfish. It is also advised that you swim only while a lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards are on duty every day from sunrise to sunset on both public and private beaches in the city.
Three beaches in Dubai opened for swimming around-the-clock in 2023, so you can now enjoy a well-lit swim in safety at these picturesque locations in Umm Suqeim 1, Jumeirah 2, and Jumeirah 3. You are urged not to enter the water after dusk anywhere else than designated beaches.
Common travel scams in Dubai.
“Free” Tours or Gifts:
While free city tours, presents, or meals may be extended to travellers, these offers sometimes result in high-pressure sales pitches for costly timeshares, vacation packages, or other items. When presented with offers that appear too good to be true, proceed with caution and respectfully turn down unwanted invites.
Spurious Goods:
Some dishonest sellers could attempt to trick tourists into purchasing phoney or counterfeit luxury goods. Always be sceptical and do your research before making a purchase.
Purchase from Reputable Stores:
Buy from reputable stores or shopping centres to guarantee the items’ legitimacy. Camel Rides and Photo Scams: When choosing a camel ride, tourists may run into operators that demand unforeseen costs or demand extra cash in exchange for snapping pictures of them while they are riding. Before starting any activity, make sure you understand the whole cost and any additional expenses.
Transportation security in Dubai
In general, Dubai’s roads are safe. On the other hand, using unauthorised cabs, driving erratically, or having accidents might all pose concerns. It’s essential to be aware of Dubai’s traffic regulations if you intend to drive while there. You must be 21 years of age or older and possess an international driver’s licence in order to hire a car. Everyone must wear a seat belt, and children under the age of four must be buckled up in a child safety seat. Drinking and driving is prohibited, thus it’s critical that you maintain composure when operating a vehicle. Avoid using profanity or making impolite hand gestures towards other motorists, since instances of road rage like these may escalate into a police issue. The UAE government’s page on the nation’s traffic laws contains information on the laws of the road.
Use only registered taxis.
To distinguish between different taxi firms, the roofs of the taxis are coloured differently. Since a large number of these drivers are immigrants and multilingual, communication should be simple. Unlicensed taxis without metres that charge more than usual are occasionally encountered. During your journey, it is best to stick to using licenced cabs from reputable taxi companies.
Gender-based segregation in public transport:
In Dubai, it’s crucial to act appropriately in public, particularly while interacting with people of the other sex. When using public transportation, ladies should look for the area at the front of the bus that is designated just for them. Sitting next to someone of the other sex might occasionally be mistaken for flirting. It is considered impolite to place your feet on seats.
Only go on safari with experienced guides.
Safety precautions also apply to safaris across the desert near Dubai. It is advisable to avoid going on these safaris without a knowledgeable guide. Before hiring any tour operators, do some research online or through word-of-mouth, as some businesses prioritise money over protection. Without safety precautions like seatbelts, speed restrictions, and protective gear for quad bikes, desert safaris may be risky. Since many tour operators do not have the appropriate safety equipment in their sizes, there have been debates in recent years concerning the safety of little children on these rides.
How to be safe in the desert of Dubai.
Any trip to Dubai must include a visit to the amazing desert, but it’s crucial to be prepared. Even though the desert is frequently warm and bright during the day, it may become very cold at night, so if you’re planning to stay overnight, it’s advisable to pack enough warmer clothes. Along with a first-aid kit, have plenty of water and food. To make sure everything goes as planned, it’s also advisable to book your vacation through a reputable tour operator.
Protect yourself from the sun.
To fully take advantage of Dubai’s year-round sunshine, make sure you wear sunscreen at all times, stay hydrated, and take frequent pauses in the shade. To further protect your skin in the summer, use a hat and sunglasses. Keep in mind that the sun is at its strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
How to respond in the event of an emergency medical situation.
If you have a medical emergency and need to be sent to the closest hospital by air ambulance, dial 998.Try to locate a nearby landmark if you are unsure of your precise position to aid in the ambulance’s prompt arrival.Please let the emergency response team know if you would like to communicate in your native tongue. The crew speaks a broad range of languages, reflecting the varied population of Dubai.
Safety of Women and Couples in Dubai.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city where women feel secure most of the time. In most sections of the city, ladies have their own counters and lines. There are no possible risks to be concerned about as you go on the streets. While there are undoubtedly still incidences of sexual harassment against women, leering and catcalling have seldom escalated into violent acts. Due to Dubai Police’s severe policies about sexual harassment, harassers are often silenced when they threaten to contact the police.
Dubai’s dress code for women:
As long as it’s not offensive, women may wear anything they like, including sleeveless tops, crop tops, and shorts, in much of the city, particularly in the most visited places. Here, it is not required for women to cover their heads or wear veils. Nonetheless, because it is an Islamic nation, the people there dress modestly.
Situations related to women’s nightlife:
There are several bars and clubs in large hotel chains across Dubai’s vibrant nightlife. Women can usually feel secure having drinks and dancing all night in these neighbourhoods.
Violence against women:
Although it is extremely uncommon, violence against women does occasionally occur in Dubai. When there is a sexual assault, the Dubai Police act quite quickly.
No PDA:
Public shows of affection are still troublesome in Dubai, even though the city welcomes tourists. It’s socially okay to hold hands and give each other cheek kisses, but anything beyond that is considered rude. It draws needless attention from the general population.
Dubai’s Policy on Drug and Alcohol Consumption.
Public intoxication:
It is not permitted to be intoxicated in public. at Dubai, alcohol can be consumed at establishments that have been granted a licence (mostly bars and nightclubs inside large hotel chains), and non-Muslims are treated with tolerance. Make sure you take a taxi back to your lodging after checking out of the hotel rather than going for a stroll on the street. Any form of intoxicated conduct in public is forbidden. This includes driving after intoxication as well because of how severe the law is in this regard.
Drinking Alcohol During Ramadan:
During the month of Ramadan, strict alcohol regulations are especially implemented. During the hours of fasting, alcohol is not supplied, and live concerts and loud music are not offered. In Dubai, holy days are dry days.
Always keep a prescription for your medications with you:
The severe laws governing narcotics and other restricted substances, including medications, are well-known in the United Arab Emirates. Certain popular medications (like Valium) that include codeine or diazepam are prohibited without a prescription from a physician. If you are carrying medications, it is a good idea to have your doctor’s prescriptions with you while you travel across Dubai. These prescriptions occasionally don’t provide adequate paperwork, and travellers have been refused entrance into the UAE or penalised.
What is Dubai’s LGBT traveller policy?
In Dubai, marriages between people of the same sex are not accepted and homosexuality is strictly prohibited. As to the Penal Code of Dubai, consensual sodomy carries a maximum 10-year jail sentence. It is frequently portrayed in the local media as being connected to both sex crimes and illness. Nonetheless, the nation is home to a covert, clandestine LGBTQ community. Things should be fine in Dubai unless people act in an overtly gay manner or make it known. However, as long as there is no public display of affection (PDA) or other activity that might infuriate the people, they do not take severe measures against LGBT visitors to the nation.
Dubai provides travellers with a comparatively safe atmosphere because of its dedication to safety and low crime rates. Travellers may completely enjoy their vacation while guaranteeing their safety and well-being by being educated, adhering to common safety procedures, and exercising care when dealing with possible scammers. When it comes to making the most of a trip to the energetic metropolis of Dubai, caution and awareness are key.