Is Dubai safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for United Arab Emirates

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory is Level 3 - Reconsider Travel, dated October 23, 2026; this advisory is country-level, not specific to Dubai.
• The UK FCDO notes a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, and says terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE, possibly indiscriminate and in places visited by foreign nationals, including residential compounds, military sites, oil and transport infrastructure, aviation interests, crowded places, restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centers, and places of worship; due to regional tensions, Israeli and Jewish linked sites could also be targeted.
• Solo travelers, especially women, should take care when walking or traveling alone or at night, use a reputable taxi company, and avoid accepting lifts from strangers; the FCDO also warns against accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended because of the risk of drink and food spiking.
• The FCDO points out that UAE law places a high burden of proof on victims in sexual assault cases, particularly if alcohol was involved or the attacker was known to the victim, and that consensual sex outside marriage can still lead to prosecution for either party.
• Visitors should respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions, including dress codes requiring women to cover shoulders and knees in public areas like malls, and should be aware that public displays of affection, swearing, rude gestures, and cross-dressing are illegal and can result in arrest, fines, or deportation.
• Pedestrians must only cross roads at designated crossings, since crossing elsewhere is illegal and can result in a fine or imprisonment, and the FCDO notes that vehicles often do not stop at marked zebra crossings.
• During Ramadan, the FCDO advises against eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public during daylight hours, playing loud music, dancing, or swearing in public, and recommends checking shop and restaurant hours and being cautious of erratic driving near dusk.