The United Arab Emirates is home to the two most popular Middle Eastern tourist destinations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which have dazzling cities, vast deserts and gorgeous beaches. In Dubai, you can see the world’s tallest skyscraper, resort hotels that compete in extravagance and dinky wooden boats that still ply the creek. Abu Dhabi, while smaller and less glitzy, has thrilling theme parks and stunning architecture. Just inland lies the desert from which all of this sprang — providing visitors with a sense of life in the tented camps of pre-oil days.
The country is considered safe to travel to, and most visits are trouble-free — but, as with anywhere, there are a few things for tourists to think about.
On March 25, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the UAE to reflect a change in the terror threat level in the country. While it’s still considered safe to travel to, the terror threat level is now considered high, with travellers warned to “remain vigilant at all times”.
Meanwhile, more storms are expected in Dubai. Authorities have been preparing infrastructure for the adverse weather, which is expected to be less severe than the rains of April 2024. Last month, unprecedented weather caused flooding in the emirate, as 18 months’ worth of rain fell in just a day, disrupting operations at Dubai airport and stranding thousands.
If you’re travelling to Dubai soon, here’s what you need to know.
Advertisement
What’s the latest advice about travelling to the UAE?
The Foreign Office does not advise against travelling to the UAE. However, on March 25, its travel advice for the Middle Eastern country was updated to reflect a change in the terror threat levels in the country.
It said: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”
Regarding the UAE in particular, the Foreign Office said: “Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including against UK citizens.”
It said that possible targets may include hotels, beaches, restaurants and shopping centres.
In addition, the Foreign Office has warned that the situation in the UAE could change at short notice following the joint strikes by US and UK forces on Houthi bases in Yemen since January 2024. It said: “Military activity is currently under way in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”
Has Dubai been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Advertisement
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the United Arab Emirates are not affected by the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Here’s what you need to know about the travel advice for neighbouring countries
• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now?
What is causing the floods in Dubai?
Scientists have noted that the April 2024 flash flooding in Dubai was exacerbated by climate change. Cloud seeding, a practice which involves shooting particles of silver iodide into the sky to encourage rainfall, has been ruled out as a cause.
In April, there was widespread disruption after 18 months’ worth of rain fell in a single day, causing flights to be diverted and cancelled, and cars to be submerged.
There are further storms expected this week, and authorities closed schools, nurseries and universities until Friday, May 3, and made sure roads are equipped to deal with the rain (it can make the roads very slippery).
Advertisement
There’s no reason, beyond a delayed or cancelled flight, to avoid travelling because of the weather. That said, in a city where the beach and the pool are big draws, you may have to rethink your holiday activities if the weather doesn’t clear up.
Are flights still going to Dubai?
A handful of flights in and out of Dubai airport have been diverted and some cancelled — but not on a grand scale. Dubai airport advises passengers to check the status of their flight with the airline, to travel to the airport using the metro if possible and to allow extra time.
Can I travel to Dubai without a visa?
Tourist visas are issued to British passport holders on arrival in Dubai so there’s no need to apply in advance. The visa will be a stamp applied by immigration officials in your passport. The tourist visa is free and lasts for 30 days.
If you’ve been to Israel in the past and there’s evidence of this in your passport, you can enter the UAE as normal, as long as you don’t intend to do any work. However, if you are planning to work, you may be subject to further checks and entry may be denied.
Can you drink in Dubai?
Visitors and residents can drink at home and in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. Visitors will need a liquor licence to buy alcohol from the two shops that sell alcohol in Dubai; they can obtain the licence with their passport and entry stamp.
Is Dubai safe for LGBT travellers?
Advertisement
Same-sex activities are illegal in the UAE and same-sex marriages are not recognised in the country. There have been reports of punishment for same-sex activities, particularly where they have caused offence or there’s a public element. The Foreign Office says that the “UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected”.
What should I wear in Dubai?
Women should dress modestly when in public, in areas such as shopping malls and parks. This means that clothes should cover the top of the arms and legs, and no underwear or swimwear should be on show. It helps to take a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders when you need to, for example at religious sites. Swimwear is acceptable if you’re at the beach or a swimming pool.
Get inspired
• Best time to visit Dubai
• Best hotels in Dubai
• Best family hotels in Dubai
• Best villas in Dubai
• Best hotels in Abu Dhabi
Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here
