Briefing d'orientation aux Émirats arabes unis

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th-century treaties. In 1971, six of these states -- Abu Dhabi, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn -- merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ra's al Khaymah joined in 1972.

The UAE's per-capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. For more than three decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy. In 2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE especially hard. The UAE did not experience the "Arab Spring" unrest seen elsewhere in the Middle East in 2010-11, partly because of the government's multi-year, $1.6-billion infrastructure investment plan for the poorer northern emirates, and its aggressive pursuit of advocates for political reform.

The UAE in recent years has played a growing role in regional affairs. In addition to donating billions of dollars in economic aid to help stabilize Egypt, the UAE was one of the first countries to join the Defeat ISIS coalition, and to participate as a key partner in a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. In 2020, the UAE and Bahrain signed a peace agreement (the Abraham Accords) with Israel -- brokered by the US -- in Washington, D.C. The UAE and Bahrain thus became the third and fourth Middle Eastern countries, along with Egypt and Jordan, to recognize Israel.

Regional tensions

The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.

British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities
• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the UAE 

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. 

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including against UK citizens. Due to increasing regional tensions, Israeli and Jewish linked sites could be targets for terrorists in the UAE.

Targets may include:  

• residential compounds 
• military sites 
• oil 
• transport 
• aviation interests  
• crowded places 
• restaurants  
• hotels 
• beaches 
• shopping centres 
• places of worship

Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.

Crime 

Protecting your belongings 

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Sexual assault 

Take care when walking or travelling alone or at night, particularly if you are a woman. Use a reputable taxi company and do not accept lifts from strangers.  

Sexual assault and rape are relatively rare but do happen. A man who is convicted of raping a woman will be given life imprisonment, and in some cases prosecutors may request the death penalty. However, UAE law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the alleged attacker was known to the victim. If the sexual relations are determined to have been consensual, either party may still face prosecution for the offence of sex outside marriage.

Drink and food spiking 

Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. Criminals can spike drinks and assault or rob you.

Property scams 

If you want to buy property in the UAE, get appropriate professional advice as you would in the UK. FCDO has a list of lawyers for Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Laws and cultural differences 

The UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.  

Your passport

UAE employers may ask foreign employees to deposit their passports with the company as part of their terms and conditions of employment. This is illegal under UAE labour law. 

It is normal practice for hotels to take a photocopy of your passport or Emirates ID.

Hotel regulations

You cannot stay in a hotel if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.   

Pedestrian crossings 

Only cross roads using designated pedestrian crossings. It is illegal to cross in other places and you may face a fine or even imprisonment. Take care when crossing, as vehicles often do not stop at zebra crossings marked on the roads.

Ramadan  

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, it may cause offence if you: 

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car 
• play loud music or dance 
• swear in public 

Find out how Ramadan is observed in the UAE or get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants 
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens 
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time 
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk 
• be patient and show tolerance - fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening 

Dress code 

Dress modestly in public areas like shopping malls: 

• women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible
• avoid transparent clothing or any attire that features imagery or phrases that could potentially offend others
• swimming attire should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools
• cross-dressing is illegal 

Some venues, events or buildings may have specific dress codes.

Swearing and rude gestures 

It is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.

Showing affection in public

Showing affection in public is frowned upon. You can be arrested for kissing in public.

Sexual relationships outside marriage 

Consensual sexual relationships between a man and woman outside marriage are generally legal if both are aged 18 or over. This includes extra-marital sexual relationships. However, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship can get a prison sentence of 6 months or longer.  

If a person aged 18 or over has a sexual relationship with a person aged 17 or under, they will be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are aged 17 or under, they will both be prosecuted but punishment is likely to be limited to a caution, parental supervision, judicial supervision, professional training or psychiatric treatment.  

If you are unmarried and give birth to a child in the UAE, you will only be able to get a UAE birth certificate if:   

• both you and your partner get married
• you and your partner provide a joint declaration, certified by a notary public, to acknowledge the child - further information is available from the Ministry of Health and Prevention

If you become pregnant outside of marriage, your medical insurance may not cover you. Consult your medical insurance provider before getting pregnant, or giving birth in the UAE.

Financial crime 

Financial crimes, including fraud and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in a prison sentence, a fine, or both. You could also have your bank accounts and other assets frozen.  

If you are arrested for a financial crime and are not resident in the UAE, it is likely you will not be allowed bail. If you are convicted, you may have to stay in prison until the debt is paid or waived, and you’ve served your full sentence.

Alcohol laws and bans 

Drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal in the Emirate of Sharjah, 30km north of Dubai.

It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place anywhere in the UAE. British nationals have been arrested and charged under this law, often in cases where they have come to the attention of the police for a related offence, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour. 

The legal age for purchasing and drinking alcohol is 21 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and in all Northern Emirates except Sharjah, where drinking and having alcohol in your possession is illegal.  

If you are resident in Dubai and want to buy alcohol to drink at home, you must get a liquor licence. Liquor licences are no longer required for residents in the other Emirates excluding Sharjah.  

Liquor licences are not required in Dubai to purchase and consume alcohol in licenced venues like hotel bars, restaurants, and pubs. However, a liquor licence is required for consuming alcohol in private places like homes or private parties. While this requirement might not be strictly enforced in private settings, it remains a legal requirement.   

Outside licensed venues, you can only buy alcohol with a liquor licence from the 2 official liquor distributors in Dubai, MMI and African & Eastern. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence which is valid for one month, from either supplier. This licence is only for use in Dubai.    

Liquor licences are not required for non-residents in the other Emirates where alcohol is available. You can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs.

Illegal drugs penalties  

There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences.   

The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can lead to a minimum 3-month prison term or a fine of between 20,000 UAE dirham and 100,000 UAE dirham. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.   

Some ‘herbal highs’ and products containing cannabidiol  (CBD) are illegal in the UAE.   

Possessing, concealing or making transactions with money from drugs-related offences is illegal. You could get a prison sentence and a fine.  

UAE airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. You can be arrested for carrying drugs, even residual amounts.

Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil. If you are found in possession of such products, they will be confiscated and you could face criminal charges. A list of narcotic, psychotropic and controlled drugs where this rule applies, allowed quantities and documents to be presented can be found on the UAE Ministry of Health website.

Fundraising and charitable acts 

Fundraising and acts of charity are heavily regulated in the UAE. This includes online and social media activity. Check whether any of the activities you are planning to do in the UAE, or while travelling through the UAE, is illegal. Get legal advice if necessary.

Taking photos in secure areas 

It is illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood, particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.  

Do not photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches. 

Technical equipment 

You may need a licence to use equipment like satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars. Get advice from the UAE Embassy in the UK.

Media activity 

You must apply for the appropriate permissions to carry out media activity, including the production, transmission or distribution of printed, digital, audio, video or visual information. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment and a substantial fine.  

Information about media activity and how to obtain the necessary permits can be accessed by registering on the National Media Council website.

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE, and same-sex marriages are not recognised.  

The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected. However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has  caused offence. This applies both to foreign national residents and tourists.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Swimming safety 

Rip currents can occur at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Check for warning signs, especially red flags which mean that swimming is dangerous. Only swim from approved beaches where there are lifeguards and flags indicating it is safe to swim .  

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks  

Taxis 

Use only licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport, which includes apps like ‘Careem’, ‘Uber’ and Abu Dhabi Taxi. In Dubai authorised taxis are painted cream with different coloured roofs – taxis with pink roofs have female drivers. In Abu Dhabi taxis are painted silver/grey.

There are special taxis for women and children, which can be hailed from the roadside or can be booked in advance.

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in the UAE, see information on driving abroad and check the UAE traffic portal.   

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. 

If you’re applying for residence in the UAE, you can use your UK licence until your residence permit is issued, after which you’ll need to get a UAE driving licence from the traffic department.

Driving standards

Driving standards are not always as disciplined as in the UK and there is a high rate of traffic accidents. Speeding is common, despite clearly signposted legal limits and widespread use of speed cameras.

Rules of the road

It is illegal to drink and drive, no matter how small the amount, and your insurance is likely to be invalidated in the event of an accident.

Police in the UAE have the power to impound your car for traffic violations that may be considered minor in the UK. They will charge a fee of 50,000 UAE dirham plus a traffic violation fine to release your car.    

Offensive gestures and bad language directed at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence, and possibly deportation.   

Flashing headlights can mean a driver is coming through, rather than giving way to you.  

All drivers involved in an incident must stop as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are involved in a crash, follow the rules of the emirate in which you are travelling:

• in Abu Dhabi, if no one has been hurt and vehicle damage is minor, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic, otherwise do not move your vehicle
• in Dubai, only move your vehicle if it is causing an obstruction to other motorists
• in the other emirates, only move your car if the accident is minor and both parties agree who is responsible
• in all cases, call the police – it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident before the police have arrived

Driving in the desert 

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless you’re in a properly equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Always travel with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone. Leave a copy of your travel plans with relatives, friends or where you are staying.   

If you join a tour for driving in the desert or quad-biking, make sure you go with a reputable company with adequate health and safety procedures.   

Always check that such activities are covered by your insurance.

Sea travel 

Be careful when travelling by tourist boat. The safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.  

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. The authorities have detained and inspected vessels entering these areas. Mariners should make careful enquiries with relevant local authorities before entering these waters.  

You should consider how regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Heavy rain in the UAE can cause flooding. Check weather forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology, and follow advice from the local authorities. Sources for up-to-date information include local radio and online media outlets The National and The Khaleej Times.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Dial 998 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in the UAE.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

In the UAE, some UK prescribed and over-the-counter medicines are considered controlled substances. You must get approval in advance from the UAE Ministry of Health to bring medication. Apply online to bring medication to the UAE. The UAE authorities advise that applications are processed within 5 working days.

Healthcare in the UAE 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the UAE where some staff will speak English. 

Healthcare facilities in the UAE are similar to those in the UK, but you may be stopped from using them without travel insurance or without the means to pay medical fees. You may be prevented from leaving the UAE if you are unable to pay your medical bill. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.  

There is guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the UAE.

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.