UAE FCO Travel warning

United Arab Emirates


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Crime section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
The vast majority of visits to the UAE are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in the UAE in 2007 was for dealing with arrests or detentions, mostly related to alcohol or drugs. There is a zero tolerance policy towards such offences and the penalties can be severe: for example, driving after consuming even the tiniest amount of alcohol or drugs can result in imprisonment. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.


There is a general threat from terrorism. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region; and may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.


The penalties for drug trafficking, drug smuggling and drug possession of even residual amounts of drugs are severe. There is a zero tolerance policy towards drugs, including any found in the system. Care should also be taken about the import of prescription drugs and some over-the-counter drugs. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
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Kind regards,