Touching down in Dubai and hoping for worry free adventures, from souks to sky-high views, where simple local habits and current rules make safety feel natural every step of the way?
Know the numbers that matter
Keep the key helplines somewhere easy to see on your phone. In the UAE, 999 connects you to the police during emergencies, and 998 reaches the ambulance. 997 connects you to Civil Defence for fires, while 996 reaches the coastguard, and 995 handles search and rescue. In Dubai, 901 helps with non emergencies and frees 999 for urgent cases. Save these now and you will thank yourself later during a stressful moment.
Meet the citys smart safety tools
Dubai runs Smart Police Stations that operate all day and all night. You can file a report, request certificates, or get travel letters without a human officer. If you face fraud or cyber issues, the Dubai Police eCrime portal takes online complaints. These systems reduce time at counters and help visitors who travel on tight schedules. You can also use the Dubai Police app to track cases and receive updates.
Respect local laws around alcohol and driving
You will find licensed hotel bars and restaurants across the city. Drinking is for those aged 21 and above, and drinking in public spaces stays off limits. Dubai keeps a zero tolerance stance on drunk driving, so plan rides before any night out. If you want extra clarity, hotel concierges guide you on venue rules and local practice. Keep a copy of your ID when visiting places that check age and entry.
Move around with confidence
Registered taxis through Hala on the Careem app give you licensed rides and shareable trip details. The Dubai Metro is clean and well marked, with a Women and Children cabin that men should avoid. Trains have a Gold Class cabin that needs a matching card. Follow cabin signs, keep your card topped up, and give yourself time at interchanges. Small courtesies like letting riders exit first keep the flow calm and safe.
Stay sharp online and avoid scams
Phishing and fake service sites trend up and down during peak seasons. Dubai Police warned about fake consumer portals that try to install remote access apps. If a site asks you to download unknown tools, stop and verify through official channels. Report suspicious links through eCrime and keep screenshots for your record. Public Wi Fi is common, so use a VPN and avoid banking on open networks.
Beach and water sense on the coast
Public beaches have lifeguards and a clear flag system to show daily risks. Red flags mean do not swim, while yellow flags call for caution with currents. Green flags mean calmer conditions, and purple warns of marine pests like jellyfish. Swim near lifeguards and inside the marked zones, and keep children in arm’s reach. After sunset, currents feel stronger and visibility drops for lifeguards who scan the water.
Heat and sun strategy in long summers
Summer heat in Dubai can feel intense, with humidity making it feel heavier. The National Centre of Meteorology has flagged periods near record highs this year. Plan heavy walking early or later in the evening, and take indoor breaks at midday. Hydration, shade, and sunscreen turn long days into easier days. If someone shows heatstroke signs, call 998 or 999 and start cooling while you wait.
Cultural rhythm during Ramadan
If you visit during Ramadan, the rhythm of the city changes in warm and welcoming ways. Malls and attractions run, yet you should be extra considerate in public spaces. Modest dress helps, and many visitors enjoy the calm vibe before sunset. Keep food and drink discreet in public daylight hours out of respect. Evening iftars open a beautiful window into local culture and community life. Visit Dubai
Photo and social media etiquette
Photography rules protect privacy and sensitive locations across the UAE. Always ask before photographing people, and be careful near government facilities and airports. Sharing images that invade privacy can trigger issues under cybercrime laws. Keep captions respectful on social media and avoid heated posts or insults. When in doubt, put the camera down and ask a staff member or guard.
Medication travel and health basics
Some prescription and controlled medicines need prior approval for entry into the UAE. The health ministry runs an online permit service that checks documents before travel. Carry original prescriptions and keep medicines in labeled packs. Store important pills in your cabin bag to avoid loss in transit. For urgent health issues, use 998 for an ambulance and share your location fast.
Drones and filming in the city
Flying drones without the right permits causes problems, even for casual travel videos. The UAE aviation regulator requires registration, and Dubai’s civil aviation body handles local approvals. Tourist flights need review and approval before any launch. Respect no fly zones and keep clear of crowds or roads. If content creation is your goal, plan permits well before your trip dates.
E scooters and last mile rides
E scooters appear across several Dubai zones and feel convenient for short trips. Riders need to follow marked paths and respect a capped speed on shared routes. RTA offers a short online permit for riders without a UAE driving license. Helmets help on uneven surfaces and busy crossings with mixed traffic. Park neatly to keep sidewalks open and avoid blocking ramps and doors.
Desert trips and outdoor adventures
Many visitors try a desert drive or an overnight camp in cooler months. Join licensed operators if you do not have off road experience or gear. For self drives, travel with a second car, carry water, and tell someone your route. Dubai Municipality manages seasonal camping with rules that protect the environment and guests. Night temperatures drop fast, so pack layers and keep a charged phone and a backup.
Holiday homes and accommodation safety
Short stays in Dubai include licensed holiday homes and hotel options. Licensed homes register with the Department of Economy and Tourism and meet safety basics. You should receive a permit number and guest registration from the operator. If you book online, pick listings that show the permit number on the page. For any housing dispute, keep receipts and messages and contact the platform support.
For women travelers and families
Dubai remains popular with families and solo women because of visible rules and services. On the Metro, the Women and Children cabin offers extra comfort during busy times. Taxis can be booked in advance and trips can be shared live from the app. Hotel staff help with stroller friendly routes and child car seat bookings on request. As in any big city, trust your instinct, stay aware, and choose well lit paths.
Recommendations from the editor of www.few.ae
If you want one app for many needs, try the Dubai Police app for quick reporting. Use the Careem app with Hala for rides you can track and share. For public transport, download the RTA app for maps, top ups, and quick alerts. Bookmark the official UAE portal for emergency numbers and legal updates. Save this guide on your phone and hand it to a friend who plans a visit.
Before you zip your suitcase
Dubai rewards curious travelers who show care for local rhythm and rules. Learn the helplines, respect beach flags, and plan around heat and sun. Keep social posts thoughtful and ask before you point a lens at someone. Choose licensed services and lean on smart stations and useful apps. With these habits in place, your days shine bright and your nights stay easy.
then "Add to Home Screen"