Middle East • Updated July 2026

Country Risk Report

United Arab Emirates

Overall Risk Rating

Medium

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Languages

Arabic (official); English widely used

Currency

UAE dirham (AED)

Executive Summary

The United Arab Emirates is classified as a MEDIUM risk destination. In ordinary times it is one of the safest and most developed countries in the region, with very low crime and a major tourism and business hub in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the rating reflects the acute 2026 regional conflict, strict local laws, and a maritime and airspace risk rather than everyday danger. The UAE faced more Iranian attacks than any other Gulf state during the 2026 Iran war. Since 28 February 2026, Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at the country, including a drone incident at Dubai International Airport, strikes on Abu Dhabi energy and industrial facilities, and hits on residential and hotel areas, met by extensive air defence with falling debris. A memorandum of understanding on 17 June created a fragile ceasefire, but strikes and Strait of Hormuz shipping attacks have continued into July, so the situation remains volatile. During the attacks the authorities strictly enforced cybercrime laws, arresting dozens for filming or sharing footage of strikes, and the UAE also enforces exit bans in legal and financial disputes and strict laws on drugs, public conduct and social behaviour. The disputed Gulf islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs, extreme heat and road safety are further factors. Ordinary crime remains very low. Cover for the United Arab Emirates is available on a specialist basis with war-risk terms applying, reflecting the Gulf Transit Cover context.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Moderate	The most-targeted Gulf state in the 2026 Iran war, under a fragile ceasefire.
Terrorism	Moderate	A general attack risk and Iranian strikes, with threats to US and Israeli-linked sites.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is very rare.
Crime	Low	Street crime is very rare by international standards.
Civil Unrest	Low	Public protest is prohibited and rare.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Excellent care in cities; extreme heat is the main hazard.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Airspace and flight disruption and Gulf maritime risk.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate-High	Strict cybercrime laws, with arrests for posting strike content.

Essential Precautions

1Track the regional conflict closely, as the ceasefire is fragile and strikes and shipping attacks have recurred.

2Know shelter procedures, and follow the national public alert system on any missile or drone warning.

3Never film or share footage of strikes or security incidents, as arrests have been made under cybercrime laws.

4Comply strictly with local laws, covering drugs, alcohol licensing, public conduct and social behaviour.

5Be aware of exit bans, which apply in legal and financial disputes and prevent departure.

6Expect airspace and flight disruption, with closures and cancellations at short notice.

7Avoid the disputed Gulf islands and sensitive waters, where vessels have been inspected and people detained.

8Manage extreme heat, staying hydrated and limiting midday exposure.

Security Situation

Medium

The UAE is ordinarily very safe, and the medium rating reflects the acute 2026 regional conflict, in which it was the most-targeted Gulf state, alongside strict local laws and maritime and airspace risk. Dubai and Abu Dhabi function with precautions, and Gulf waters and active-strike periods carry higher risk.

Dubai

Medium

Dubai functions as a major hub and faced drone and missile incidents, including near its airport, during the conflict.

Abu Dhabi

Medium

Abu Dhabi, the capital, saw strikes on energy and industrial facilities and residential areas.

The Northern Emirates (Sharjah to Ras al Khaimah)

Medium

The Northern Emirates function normally, with airspace disruption the main concern.

The East Coast and Fujairah

Moderate

The east coast and Fujairah, on the Gulf of Oman, are key to maritime bypass routes and saw incidents during the conflict.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Moderate

The UAE faced the heaviest Iranian bombardment of any Gulf state in 2026, with hundreds of missiles and drones fired at it and extensive interception, under a fragile and repeatedly violated ceasefire. Energy, industrial, residential and aviation sites were hit.

Terrorism

Moderate

There is a general risk of terrorist attacks, and during the conflict Iran threatened US and Israeli-linked sites, including businesses and institutions, and Jewish community locations. Attacks can occur at public places with little warning.

Kidnapping and Detention

Low

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. The more relevant risk is detention under strict laws, including for drugs, public conduct or online posts, and exit bans that prevent departure during legal or financial disputes.

Crime and Lawlessness

Low

Street crime is very rare by international standards, with negligible violent crime against visitors. Financial crime, fraud and cheque-related offences can, however, carry serious legal consequences for residents and visitors.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Airspace and flight disruption from the regional conflict, and maritime risk in Gulf waters and the Strait of Hormuz, are the main travel concerns, alongside excellent road and transport infrastructure. Borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia can close at short notice.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Excellent private healthcare is available in the cities, and the main hazard is extreme heat. Serious cases are well handled, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

The UAE is comparatively cosmopolitan but remains a conservative Islamic society, with laws on modest dress in public areas, alcohol licensing, public conduct including displays of affection, and respect for religion. Travellers should follow local norms and be sensitive around religious and political topics.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex relationships are criminalised and there are no legal protections. LGBT travellers face serious risk and should exercise absolute discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates that took a defiant posture toward Iran during the 2026 conflict and maintains close US security ties. Consular services in the country were reduced during the crisis.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate-High

The UAE strictly enforces cybercrime laws, and during the conflict arrested dozens for filming or sharing footage of strikes or for spreading rumours, alongside monitoring of online activity. Travellers should never post about security incidents and should avoid content that could breach the law.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Routine vaccines
Ensure the standard UK schedule is complete.
Hepatitis A
Recommended for some travellers.
Hepatitis B
Consider for longer or higher-risk stays.
Tetanus
Ensure boosters are current.

Other Health Hazards

Extreme heat: Heat and dehydration are the main hazard; hydrate and limit midday exposure.
Road safety: Traffic is fast; take care as a driver and pedestrian.
Air quality: Seasonal dust and sandstorms affect air quality.
Private care: Use reputable private facilities and hold cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for the United Arab Emirates is available on a specialist basis with war-risk terms applying, in line with the Gulf Transit Cover context. Dubai and Abu Dhabi function with precautions, while active-strike periods and Gulf waters and airspace require specialist advice, and cover should include war-risk, medical evacuation, and aviation and maritime provisions.

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Annex A — Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Security checkpoints are more common during the conflict; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Check exit-ban status before travel if in any dispute. Do not photograph military, security or strike sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. Drug, conduct and online offences can lead to detention. Legal and financial disputes can trigger exit bans. Posting strike footage has led to arrests.

High-Risk Travellers

Those posting strike content face arrest under cybercrime laws. People in financial disputes face exit-ban risk. Active-conflict-period travellers face strike and disruption risk. Mariners in Gulf waters face maritime risk.

Annex B — Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Track the conflict and plan around the fragile ceasefire and possible strikes. Follow the national public alert system and shelter guidance. Hold war-risk, evacuation and aviation cover. Prepare for extreme heat.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Never film or share strikes or security incidents. Avoid content that could breach cybercrime or defamation laws. Assume online activity is monitored. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Expect flight disruption and confirm airspace status. Confirm Oman and Saudi border status before overland travel. Avoid disputed islands and sensitive Gulf waters. Comply with security checkpoints.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Follow drug, alcohol-licensing and conduct laws precisely. Avoid public displays of affection and disorder. Be sensitive on religious and political topics.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.