Traveling Luck for United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates, Asia

Crime

Some one million British tourists visited the UAE in 2005 and more than 100,000 British nationals are resident there.  Most visits are trouble-free.  Incidents of street crime are rare.  Female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies.

Political Situation

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region.  You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.  You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

Road Safety

In Abu Dhabi or Dubai you need an International Driving Licence to hire a car.  Other vehicles (and cars hired in other Emirates) can only be driven with a full UAE licence.  UAE licences can be obtained from the traffic department by expatriates with valid residency visas (and holders of such visas must obtain such a licence if they wish to drive).

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless undertaken in adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicles.  You should always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone if you have one and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.

If you have a motor accident you should ensure you follow the rules of the Emirate you are in.  In Abu Dhabi, you should not move your car until the police arrive at the scene, even if it is an obstruction to the traffic.  In Dubai, you should only move your vehicle if it is causing an obstruction to other motorists.  In the other Emirates, you may only move your car if it is a minor accident and both parties agree on the responsibility for the accident.   It is an offence to leave the scene of the accident before the police have arrived.   Even minor expressions of ‘road rage’, such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties.   It is strongly in your own interests to display calm at all times.

It is an offence in the UAE to drink and drive.  There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and the penalties can be severe.  Insurance is likely to be invalidated, leaving the driver to pay claims by other parties involved.  If in the slightest doubt, take a taxi.

Sea Safety

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.  Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests.  Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain.  There were 58 fatalities, including 12 British nationals.  You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards.  You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

Local laws reflect the fact that the UAE is a Muslim country.  You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced.   Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.   Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.   Sex outside of marriage is illegal, as is cohabitation, adultery and homosexual behaviour.  Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be prosecuted.

You should exercise the same caution as you would in the UK by not accepting lifts from strangers, and by only using licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport.

Liquor licences can be obtained by residents to consume alcohol in private homes, and alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs.  But it is a punishable offence to drink or to be drunk in public.

The importation of narcotics, pork products and pornographic books and material is forbidden.  Videos, books and magazines are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession are severe.  The presence of drugs in the body is counted as possession and carries a minimum sentence of four years imprisonment.

Some UK prescription/over the counter medicines are illegal in UAE.  If you have any concerns about taking medication with you in the UAE, you should contact UAE Representation in the UK for further information.

If you want to buy property in the UAE, you should, as in the UK, seek appropriate professional advice.  The Embassy can provide a list of local lawyers on request.

British citizens do not require a visa for the UAE but if you plan to stay longer than 60 days, contact the UAE Immigration officials on arrival.  All other British passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to the UAE.  Contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London:  UAE Representation in the UK.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  In the UAE this may be required when obtaining a residence visa.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London:  UAE Representation in the UK.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before arriving in the UAE.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.  You should be aware that a new Health Insurance law has been implemented and affects all travellers to Abu Dhabi.  You should also be aware that if you require medical treatment you will have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.

Some UK prescription/over the counter medicines are illegal in UAE.  If you have any concerns about taking medication with you in the UAE, you should contact UAE Representation in the UK for further information.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at:  DoH: Health Advice To Travellers.

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help

Potential job seekers should be aware that those testing HIV positive whilst applying for their residence visa are detained then deported.  There is no appeal process.  Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to the UAE would therefore be advisable.

For Contact Details for the British Embassy in Dubai see: British Embassy, Dubai.

United Arab Emirates Country Profile