Foreign travel advice

United Arab Emirates

Warnings and insuranceSummary

Still current at:
1426 DecemberNovember 2023
Updated:
148 DecemberNovember 2023
Latest update:
ThisUpdate travelto adviceinclude hasinformation beenrelevant rewrittenfor tothe makeperiod itof easierCOP28 toin readDubai and30 understand.November – 12 December ('Summary' page).

TheBefore Foreign,you Commonwealthtravel, &check Developmentthe Office‘Entry (FCDO)requirements’ providessection for the UAE’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice aboutfor risksthe oflatest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

If you plan to helppass Britishthrough nationalsanother makecountry informedto decisions.return Findto outthe moreUK, aboutcheck FCDOthe travel advice.  for the country you’re transiting.

Before

The COP28 Summit takes place in Dubai 30 November to 12 December. If you travel 

are attending COP28, check the COP28 website for attendance requirements, including information on accreditation and visas.

NoAll travelvisitors to Dubai during this time can beexpect guaranteedto safe.see Readan allincreased security presence and road closures. The high number of attendees may create a pressure on availability of accommodation and transport.

Pre-planned and authorised demonstrations are likely, including within the advicesummit area. Spontaneous or unauthorised demonstrations are illegal in thisthe guideUAE.

Posting asmaterial wellonline asthat supportis forcritical Britishof nationalsthe abroadUAE government, companies or individuals or that is culturally insensitive, is illegal. [See Photography/Media section of local laws and customs whichfor includes: more information.]

  • advice

    A number of missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones) were launched into the UAE from Yemen in early 2022, targeting infrastructure and high profile locations, some of which were in populated areas. Most of these missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed but there were a small number of casualties. On 17 January 2022, the UAE authorities confirmed a Houthi attack on preparingcivilian forfacilities travelin abroadAbu Dhabi, which caused the death of three civilians. On 24 January 2022, the UAE authorities announced that their air defence forces had intercepted and reducingdestroyed risks 

  • informationtwo forHouthi women,ballistic LGBT+missiles targeting the UAE and disabledthat travellers
there were no casualties. On 31 January 2022, the UAE authorities announced their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties.

FollowThere is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and contactkeep FCDOup travelto ondate Twitter,with Facebookthe latest developments, including via the media and Instagramthis travel advice.

It Youis canmore alsoimportant signthan upever to get emailtravel notificationsinsurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Around when1.5 thismillion adviceBritish isnationals updated. visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Travel

Terrorists insurance 

are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. See Terrorism

If an incident does occur, you chooseshould tomonitor travel,local researchmedia yourreports destinationsand follow the advice of the local authorities. See Safety and getSecurity appropriateand Terrorism.

If you’re planning to travel insurancewith prescribed or over the counter medicines for personal use, you’ll need to meet the UAE’s specific requirements for your medicine to be allowed into the country. See Medication.

The InsuranceUAE is a Muslim country. Laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should coverrespect yourlocal itinerary,traditions, plannedcustoms, activitieslaws and expensesreligions at all times. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in anthe emergency.UK. See Local laws and customs

You can contact the emergency services by calling 999 (police), 997 (fire) or 998 (ambulance).

If you’re in the UAE and need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the British Embassy in Dubai.

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