United Arab Emirates · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Dubai scores 44/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: caution advised. Yes — Dubai is generally safe for visitors, but you should reconsider travel due to regional tensions and a Level 3 advisory. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United Arab Emirates · Assessed 28 July 2026
44
/ 100
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
01 · Official Guidance
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 2026-07-24T14:52:23Z
Full advisory →Avoid non-essential travel
“Canada's official risk level for United Arab Emirates: avoid non-essential travel.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare for tourists; incidents are mostly confined to peripheral areas and not reported in recent data.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs in busy malls, metro stations and tourist sites; keep bags closed and belongings secure.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveller reports indicate visitors feel safe walking during daylight and in well‑patrolled venues, though some express concern about heat and occasional scams.
Yes — Dubai is generally safe for visitors, but you should reconsider travel due to regional tensions and a Level 3 advisory.
Dubai scores high on crime prevention and everyday safety, yet the composite index caps at 44 because of a Level 3 government advisory linked to regional instability. Recent news shows isolated incidents involving arrests of alleged criminals and a high-profile influencer death, but no widespread threat to tourists.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Dubai remains one of the safest major cities in the Middle East for visitors, with low rates of violent crime and a strong police presence in the downtown, Marina and Airport districts. The composite safety index of 44 reflects a Level 3 advisory that urges travelers to reconsider non‑essential trips because of unpredictable regional tensions following recent Iran‑related strikes. While homicide and terrorism risks are negligible, pickpocketing is moderate in crowded malls, metro stations and popular tourist spots such as the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar; keep bags zipped and use front‑pocket wallets. Robbery and mugging are rare for tourists and are generally confined to peripheral neighborhoods not frequented by visitors. Recent news from July 2026 highlights the arrest of an alleged crime boss linked to Greek and Cypriot organised‑crime networks and the tragic death of a 26‑year‑old influencer who fell from a high‑rise—both isolated events that do not indicate a broader threat to travelers. Scams targeting tourists typically involve overpriced tours, fake souvenirs and unlicensed taxi overcharging; using licensed taxis, reputable ride‑share apps and verified tour operators mitigates these risks. Visitors generally report feeling safe during daylight hours, especially in well‑lit, heavily policed areas, but they should stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the extreme July heat and monitor official advisories for any escalation in regional tensions. Staying aware of your surroundings, securing belongings and following local guidance will allow you to enjoy Dubai’s attractions with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Dubai districts for visitors: 1 safer, 5 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Dubai safety map.
Deiraavoidavoid: crowded souks and night markets see higher petty crime and aggressive touts after dark
Al Qudraavoidavoid: remote desert outskirts with limited services and higher risk of vehicle breakdowns or heat‑related incidents
Downtown Dubaicautioncaution: busy tourist hub with petty pickpocketing and occasional scams after dark
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)cautioncaution: popular beach area, crowded venues, watch for drink‑spiking and overcharging
Business Baycautioncaution: commercial zone with higher traffic of taxis and occasional petty theft near metro stations
Al Barshacautioncaution: large expatriate community, watch for occasional scams targeting short‑term rentals
Palm Jumeirahcautioncaution: upscale area but isolated spots can experience opportunistic theft, especially late evening
Al Safasafersafe: residential district with low foot traffic at night and minimal reported incidents
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are rare for tourists; incidents are mostly confined to peripheral areas and not reported in recent data.
After dark, be most careful around Deira, Al Qudra, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Dubai is generally safe for visitors, but you should reconsider travel due to regional tensions and a Level 3 advisory. Dubai scores high on crime prevention and everyday safety, yet the composite index caps at 44 because of a Level 3 government advisory linked to regional instability. Recent news shows isolated incidents involving arrests of alleged criminals and a high-profile influencer death, but no widespread threat to tourists. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Dubai report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Deira, Al Qudra as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Dubai ranks #1 of 6 United Arab Emirates destinations we've assessed, scoring 44/100. See the United Arab Emirates safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the United Arab Emirates safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: dubai.json (CC BY 4.0).
