Dubai has a reputation as one of the safer cities for visitors, with low street crime and a visible police presence. Safety is not only about crime, though. In 2026 the regional security situation has also affected travel. This guide summarises what the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says, as of 20 October 2026, and gives practical advice on taxis, night travel and local laws. Always read the latest FCDO travel advice or your own government’s advice before you travel.
The regional situation in 2026
The FCDO warns of regional tensions. It reports strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran across the region since 8 July 2026, and a risk of further attacks, flight cancellations and airspace closures. It advises British nationals to be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and travel disruption, to sign up for FCDO email alerts, to follow advice from the local authorities, to monitor the media for updates on airports and airspace, and to keep their departure plans under review. Its safety and security page also says terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE, and lists crowded places, restaurants, hotels, beaches and shopping centres among possible targets.
This advice changes, so check it close to your travel date and again before you fly. Travel insurance terms can also depend on the advice in force.
Taxis and app rides
The FCDO safety and security page advises using only licensed taxis or booking through apps such as Careem and Uber. Licensed Dubai taxis are cream with coloured roofs, and taxis with pink roofs have female drivers. The FCDO adds that there are special taxis for women and children, which can be hailed or booked in advance. Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you at the airport or outside venues.
At the airport, the official taxi ranks are outside arrivals. Our Uber, Careem and taxis in Dubai guide and taxi fare guide explain the options, and our taxi or private transfer comparison helps you choose.
Night travel
Dubai is busy late into the evening, and many visitors travel at night without problems. The FCDO still recommends taking care when walking or travelling alone at night, keeping to well-lit areas and using a licensed taxi or pre-booked car. It also warns of drinks being spiked. Late arrivals can be tiring after a long flight; a pre-booked driver who meets you inside the terminal removes the need to queue or negotiate.
Our meet and greet at Dubai Airport page explains how that works, and our chauffeur service covers evenings out with a driver who waits.
Roads and walking
The FCDO notes that driving standards are not always as disciplined as in the UK, that speeding is common and that the rate of traffic accidents is high. Pedestrians must use designated crossings: crossing elsewhere is illegal and can lead to a fine or even imprisonment, and vehicles often do not stop at zebra crossings. If you plan to drive, read our driving in Dubai as a tourist guide first. Many visitors simply prefer a driver, particularly for long inter-emirate journeys; see inter-emirate transfers.
Local laws that catch visitors out
- Drugs: the FCDO describes zero tolerance, including for residual traces in the body and CBD products.
- Alcohol: drinking in public is not allowed, the legal age is 21, and alcohol is illegal in Sharjah.
- Medication: the FCDO says you must get approval in advance from the UAE Ministry of Health to bring medication, and there are limits on quantities (up to 3 months’ supply for visitors, or one month for medicines on the approval list). See the FCDO entry requirements.
- Behaviour: dress modestly in public places away from beaches and pools, and avoid public displays of affection.
- Ramadan: see our Ramadan in Dubai for visitors guide.
Beaches and the heat
The FCDO warns about rip currents and advises swimming only at beaches with lifeguards. Heat is a bigger risk than many visitors expect: drink water, use sun protection and avoid long walks in the middle of the day in summer.
Practical checklist
- Check the FCDO advice before you book and again before you fly.
- Sign up for FCDO email alerts.
- Have travel insurance that covers your trip.
- Book airport transfers in advance if you land late.
- Keep a copy of your passport and hotel details on your phone.
- Read our arrival checklist and arriving at Dubai Airport step by step.
Arriving safely at the airport
Arrival is when visitors are most tired and least familiar with their surroundings. A few simple steps help. Plan how you will get to your hotel before you land, keep your phone charged, and only accept rides from licensed taxis at the official rank, from an app you have opened yourself, or from a driver you have booked in advance. If you have booked a transfer, check the name on the sign and confirm the booking details before getting in.
Our DXB transfer and DWC transfer pages explain how pickups work, and our Terminal 3 arrivals guide shows where to go after you land.
Families and children
Child seats make a big difference on Dubai’s fast roads. Tell us the number and ages of children when you request a quote. Our family transfers page explains how we plan for children and luggage.
Money and scams
Serious crime against tourists is rare, but take normal precautions with valuables, especially in crowded places. Use ATMs inside malls, hotels or the airport, and be wary of unsolicited offers of tours or rides. The FCDO safety page has more on common risks.
If something goes wrong
Save the emergency numbers for police and ambulance, which are listed on the FCDO page, and keep your embassy’s details handy. If you lose your passport, contact your embassy and the police. If flights are disrupted because of the regional situation, contact your airline first, and follow official instructions. If you have a transfer booked, send us your new flight details as soon as your plans change.
Getting around safely day to day
The Metro, buses, licensed taxis and apps are all widely used by visitors. The Metro has separate carriages for women and children, and gold class carriages. For journeys to the airport, between emirates or late at night, a pre-booked car with a professional driver avoids waiting at taxi ranks. Our car with driver page explains how bookings work.
Request a quote
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your flight, hotel, passengers and bags. We reply with availability and a quote. Nothing is booked until you accept.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubai safe for tourists right now?
Street crime is low, but the FCDO warns of regional tensions in 2026, including the risk of attacks, flight cancellations and airspace closures. Check the latest FCDO advice before you travel.
Are taxis in Dubai safe?
The FCDO advises using only licensed taxis or apps such as Careem and Uber. Licensed taxis are cream with coloured roofs.
Is Dubai safe at night?
Many visitors travel at night without problems, but the FCDO recommends care when walking or travelling alone at night and warns about drink spiking.
Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers?
Taxis with pink roofs have female drivers. The FCDO advice on night travel, licensed transport and drink spiking applies.
What laws should tourists know in Dubai?
Zero tolerance on drugs (including CBD and residual traces), no drinking in public, a legal drinking age of 21, and advance approval to bring medication.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 20 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
