Middle East and North Africa

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism.  We believe terrorists 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.  You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.  For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Over a million British visitors travelled to the UAE in 2007 and more than 100,000 British nationals are resident there.  The vast majority of visits are trouble-free.  Incidents of street crime are rare.  Female visitors should take care when walking or travelling alone  and are advised to use a reputable taxi company, particularly at night.

In 2007 our Consular staff  helped a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in the UAE.For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

United Arab Emirates Country Profile

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region.  You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.  You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

Road Travel

Recent changes to the law now allow British nationals who are in the UAE on a visit visa to drive a car using their British driving licence.. A British national living in the UAE with a residence permit must obtain a UAE driving licence. UAE licences can be obtained from the traffic department by expatriates with valid residency visas.

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless undertaken in adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicles.  You should always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone  and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.

Driving standards are not always as disciplined as in the UK and the rate of traffic accidents is significantly higher.  A report released by the World Health Organisation has reported that UAE road users are almost seven times more likely to be killed than their counterparts in the UK. The report shows that the UAE has one of the highest rates of road deaths. The authorities are increasing their efforts to address this and have launched the "Safety Awareness.  For the Emirates Campaign". More details can be found at: www.gulftraffic.com/safety.html.

If you have a motor accident, you should ensure you follow the rules of the Emirate you are in.  In Abu Dhabi, if no one has been hurt and vehicle damage is minor, drivers should move their vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic; otherwise, the vehicles should not be moved.  In Dubai, you should only move your vehicle if it is causing an obstruction to other motorists.  In the other Emirates, you may only move your car if it is a minor accident and both parties agree on the responsibility for the accident.  In all cases, the police must be called, and it is an offence to leave the scene of the accident before the police have arrived.  Even minor expressions of 'road rage', such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties.  It is in your own interests to display calm at all times.

Statistics recently released by the UAE Ministry of Interior reported  that 2,022 pedestrians were hit by vehicles when crossing the road in 2008.  Pedestrians should exercise caution and ensure that they cross roads using only designated pedestrian crossings.  While there are zebra crossings similar to UK marked on the roads, vehicles often do not stop for pedestrians waiting at these types of crossings.

Because it is a criminal offence in the UAE to drink and drive, no matter how small the amount, your insurance is likely to be invalidated, leaving you to pay the claims of other parties involved.  You also risk imprisonment.  If you are in the slightest doubt, take a taxi.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Sea Travel

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf.  Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests.  Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain.  There were 58 fatalities, including 12 British nationals.  You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards.  You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

 

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

In 2009, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start around 20/21 August and to end around 28 days later (precise timings will depend on sighting of the new moon).  Ramadan is an important time for all Muslims.   Fasting during Ramadan is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam" and observant Muslims not only abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk, but in general practise restraint from all activities or behaviours that are not compatible with Islamic values.  Muslims are instructed to behave more patiently and tolerantly than usual and more time is spent on religious instruction and reflection.  

Ramadan also has implications for non-Muslims in the UAE.  You should take care to show respect to those who are fasting and pay particular attention not to offend Islamic values.  You should note the following:

• Do not eat, drink or smoke in public view during daytime (including in your car). This is considered highly disrespectful and even sips of water should be taken discreetly.   Pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt from this provision, but discretion should be exercised.
• Be careful about your attire during Ramadan.  Skimpy clothes should not be worn at any time in the UAE, but standards may be policed even more carefully than usual.
• Many eating and drinking establishments will be close during daylight hours.  Others will be screened from public view.   Please plan accordingly.
• Driving may be more erratic than usual, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening.
  

Local laws reflect the fact that the UAE is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs.

Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman Emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced.  Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.  Sex outside of marriage is illegal, and problems will be encountered if an unmarried woman gives birth in the UAE.  These problems can range from a refusal to issue a birth certificate to arrest and imprisonment.  A marriage certificate has to be provided to the UAE authorities to obtain a birth certificate.  Cohabitation, adultery and homosexual behaviour are also illegal.

Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be prosecuted.  It has been known for offenders to receive a six-month jail sentence for such an act.  Particular caution should be exercised when dealing with the police and other officials.

You should exercise the same caution as you would in the UK in not accepting lifts from strangers and in only using licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport.  In Abu Dhabi, it is advisable to avoid the gold, green and white street taxis, which can be badly maintained and erratically driven.

Residents can obtain liquor licences to consume alcohol in private homes.  These licences only permit the holder to purchase or consume alcohol in the Emirate that issued the licence e.g. a permit issued in Abu Dhabi is not valid in Dubai.  Alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs.  But it is a punishable offence to drink or to be drunk in public.   The legal age for consumption of alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, although a Ministry of Tourism by-law only allows hotels to serve alcohol to over 21s, and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, except Sharjah where any alcohol consumption is illegal.

 

It is an offence in the UAE to drink and drive (no matter how small the amount).  There is zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and the penalties can be severe.

 

The importation of narcotics, pork products and pornographic books and material is forbidden.  Videos, books and magazines are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe.  The possession and/or import of even the smallest amount of drugs can result in a minimum prison sentence of four years.  The presence of drugs in the  blood stream is counted as possession.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered to be controlled substances in the UAE.  Any such medication is not allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health.  If a passenger arrives in the UAE without prior approval and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and the person may be subject to prosecution under the laws of the UAE.

Under FAQ's on the English pages of the UAE Health Ministry's website (http://www.moh.gov.ae/en/default.aspx ) it says: " Individuals may bring medicine in to the country for their personal use. Up to three months supply of a prescription item can be brought in to the country by a visitor and 12-months supply by a resident if they can produce a doctor's letter or a copy of the original prescription. Narcotic items should not be brought in to the country. In exceptional cases they can be brought in to the country but only with prior permission from the director of medicine and pharmacy control who will assess the individual case. These guidelines relate to medicines brought in by an individual through an airport or border crossing and medicines arriving by post."

The Embassy therefore recommends that you contact the Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD) to check whether your medication is on the controlled list and as such requires prior permission for importation. The Customer Service Centre of the DCD can be contacted by e-mailing drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae, by telephone on (00) 971 2 611 7240 or by fax (00) 971 2  632 7644.

The Embassy is unable to make these enquiries on your behalf.

If you want to buy property in the UAE, you should, as in the UK, seek appropriate professional advice.    A list of lawyers for Abu Dhabi and Dubai can be found on our website, www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk.

Fraud, including bouncing cheques and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), is regarded seriously in the UAE and can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine.  Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Convicted debtors will not generally be released from jail until the debt is paid or waived.

Photography of certain government buildings and military installations is not permitted.  You should not photograph people without their permission.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in the UAE (source UAE Ministry of Health).  You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Ministry of Health website at: www.moh.gov.ae/en. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 5. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.  There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

The National Committee for Combating Swine Flu is responsible for the UAE's response to the current situation. They work closely with the Ministry of Health and other interested bodies.

The Ministry of Health have advised that the UAE has adequate stocks of Tamiflu. Tamiflu can be bought locally at pharmacies.

Contrary to recent media reports the UAE Ministry of Health has not introduced a requirement for expats to provide medical reports when re-entering the country after the summer break. However, recent statements suggest that if a passenger appears to be suffering from flu-like symptoms, presenting a medical certificate which states what illness they are suffering from and the medications prescribed will help speed up airport procedures.
 

You should be aware that a new Health Insurance law has been implemented and affects all travellers to Abu Dhabi.  You should also be aware that if you require medical treatment you will have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.

 

Healthcare facilities in the UAE are generally comparable with those of the UK, but visitors may be prevented from using them without travel insurance or without the means to settle any charges incurred themselves. For more information on carrying UK medicines in the UAE, please see the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to the UAE and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before arriving in the UAE.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

 

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here and the website for the British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk/en.