Reconsider Travel
“Reconsider travelto the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict. U.S.”
Updated Sat, 29 Aug 2026
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Is United Arab Emirates safe? 🇦🇪
Asia · Updated
As of October 2026, United Arab Emirates scores 44/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: caution advised. The U.S. State Department rates United Arab Emirates Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Of the 5 United Arab Emirates destinations assessed, Ras al-Khaimah scores highest (80/100), while Abu Dhabi scores lowest (44/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
United Arab Emirates · Assessed 13 October 2026
44
/ 100
Caution advised
Safer than ~32% of countries
Score capped at 44 — Level 3 advisory — reconsider travel. No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
Crime79/100GoodHomicide 0.7 / 100k
Sentiment80/100GoodCautiously optimistic
Advisories25Elevated
Stability79Good
Health80Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Elevated
No advisory against travel
“Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:06:54Z
Full advisory →Avoid non-essential travel
“Canada's official risk level for United Arab Emirates: avoid non-essential travel.”
Updated 2026-09-29T14:18:30.5345014-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
65 / 100 (Cautiously optimistic)
65
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
0.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6United Arab Emirates0.7World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
97
Robbery / mugging
LowViolent crime, including robbery, is very low in the UAE.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas and markets.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously optimistic
80/100
Reported feel65Cautiously optimistic
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travel publications indicate a general willingness to visit, but consistently highlight the need to stay updated on official travel advisories due to regional tensions.
Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to regional instability and terrorism concerns.
Multiple governments advise reconsidering travel to the UAE due to ongoing regional conflicts and the potential for terrorism. While violent crime is low, the geopolitical situation presents a significant risk.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026Flydubai hijacking and terrorism investigation launched.— DW.com
- Sep 2026UAE hosts the 15th United Nations Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, highlighting international cooperation against crime.— CGTN
- Aug 2026Organized crime suspect extradited from the UAE to Ireland.— The New York Times
- Aug 2026US and UK governments update travel advisories for the UAE, citing terrorism and armed conflict in the region.— U.S. Department of State
Common scams
- Overpriced goods and services, particularly in tourist areas.
- Fake taxis or unofficial transport services.
Full briefing
Multiple governments advise reconsidering travel to the United Arab Emirates due to the unpredictable regional situation and the potential for terrorism. While the UAE maintains a very low rate of violent crime and strong law enforcement, the broader geopolitical climate in the Middle East is the primary concern for travelers.
Recent news indicates ongoing investigations into incidents like a Flydubai hijacking and terrorism, and the extradition of organized crime figures, demonstrating active efforts to combat crime. However, the region remains volatile, with advisories from the US, Canada, and the UK highlighting risks stemming from armed conflict and terrorism.
Travelers should remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest official travel advisories and regional developments. Ensure comprehensive travel insurance is in place to cover any potential disruptions. Extreme heat is also a factor in October, with highs around 40°C.
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06 · Destinations
United Arab Emirates destinations by safety score
#1🇦🇪Ras al-KhaimahSafe · updated 18 October 202680#2🇦🇪FujairahSafe · updated 19 October 202679#3🇦🇪DubaiSafe · updated 18 October 202679#4🇦🇪Sharjah cityUse Caution · updated 13 October 202644#5🇦🇪Abu DhabiUse Caution · updated 13 October 202644
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07 · Questions
United Arab Emirates safety FAQ
Is United Arab Emirates safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates United Arab Emirates Level 3 of 4 — Reconsider Travel. On our composite index United Arab Emirates scores 44/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 19 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in United Arab Emirates?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Ras al-Khaimah currently scores highest at 80/100 (Safe). Abu Dhabi scores lowest at 44/100.
Where does this United Arab Emirates safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.