How can tourists avoid scams while in the UAE?

Exploring the dazzling cities and diverse landscapes of the United Arab Emirates promises an unforgettable experience, and while the UAE is renowned for its safety and low crime rates, remaining vigilant against potential scams is always a smart traveler’s practice. We’ve gathered insights to help you navigate your journey with confidence, ensuring your focus stays on enjoying the incredible sights and sounds.

The UAE’s Commitment to Safety

It’s important to start by acknowledging that the UAE is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Its robust legal system, proactive law enforcement (like the highly visible and responsive Dubai Police), and a general sense of community order significantly reduce the risk of crime. However, just like any popular tourist destination globally, opportunistic individuals or sophisticated fraudulent schemes can exist. The key is to be informed and cautious, recognizing that even in a safe environment, personal awareness is your best defense.

Common Scams to Be Aware Of

While violent crime is extremely rare, tourists might encounter certain types of scams, mostly financial or related to services. Here are some prevalent ones:

• Online Booking Scams: This is a big one. Be wary of “too good to be true” deals on hotels, holiday homes, or tour packages found on unverified websites or social media. Scammers often create fake listings with incredibly low prices or use professional-looking but fraudulent websites to impersonate legitimate businesses. They may demand payment to personal bank accounts, which is a major red flag. Always book through reputable, well-known platforms or directly with the official website of the hotel or tour operator.
• Fake Tour Operators and “Free” Offers: You might be approached in public areas, especially near malls or tourist attractions, with offers of free scratch cards, lucky draws, or incredibly discounted holiday packages. These often lead to high-pressure sales pitches for dubious timeshares or non-existent tours. We’ve heard of cases where individuals lose significant amounts of money for “lucky draw” fees or non-refundable deposits for phantom holidays. Politely decline and walk away from any unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.
• Unlicensed Taxi or Ride-Hailing Scams: While official taxis and regulated ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are safe, be cautious of individuals posing as taxi drivers or offering rides in unmarked private cars outside of official ranks or through the apps. Always use official, metered taxis (easily identifiable by their cream color in Dubai and silver in Abu Dhabi) or book through the verified apps. Never get into an unmarked car with someone offering you a ride.
• Rental Scams (especially for long-term stays): If you’re looking for a short-term holiday rental or even considering a longer stay, be vigilant about fake rental listings. Scammers might show appealing photos of properties that don’t exist or aren’t available, asking for upfront deposits before disappearing. Always verify the property’s existence and the agent’s license (e.g., through Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency – RERA) before making any payments.
• Phishing and SMS Scams: Tourists, like residents, can be targeted by phishing attempts via SMS or email, often disguised as messages from banks, government entities (like Dubai Police), or parcel delivery services. These messages typically contain suspicious links that aim to steal your personal or financial information. Remember, official bodies will not ask for sensitive information or payment via unsolicited links or personal accounts. If in doubt, contact the official entity directly through their verified channels.

Verifying Businesses and Services

The UAE has robust regulatory bodies that license and oversee businesses. Use these to your advantage:

• Department of Economic Development (DED): Each emirate has a DED (or similar body like the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai) responsible for issuing business licenses. If you’re dealing with a tour operator, travel agency, or any service provider, you can ask for their trade license number and verify it through the respective DED’s online portal. A legitimate business will have no issue providing this.
• Official Tourism Websites: Websites like Visit Dubai and Visit Abu Dhabi list licensed and reputable tour operators, hotels, and attractions. Stick to these verified sources for booking your activities and accommodation.
• Reputable Platforms: When booking accommodations or tours online, use well-established and trusted platforms that offer consumer protection and verified reviews. Be wary of new or obscure websites offering deals significantly lower than others.

Financial Prudence and Digital Security

Protecting your money is crucial:

• Use Reputable ATMs and Exchange Houses: Only withdraw cash from ATMs located inside banks, malls, or well-known, secure locations. When exchanging currency, use licensed exchange houses (found in malls and commercial areas) rather than unofficial street vendors.
• Be Cautious with Unsolicited Offers: As mentioned, be highly skeptical of any unsolicited calls, emails, or in-person approaches promising high returns on investments, free prizes, or extremely cheap deals. If something seems “too good to be true,” it almost certainly is.
• Protect Personal Information: Never share your personal identification details, credit card numbers, or bank account information with unverified sources. Be careful about public Wi-Fi networks and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for sensitive online transactions.

Knowing Who to Contact

If you suspect you’ve been scammed or encounter a suspicious situation, knowing the right authorities to contact is essential:

• Dubai Police: For emergencies, call 999. For non-emergencies or to report a scam, you can call 901 or visit a local police station. Dubai Police also has a dedicated Tourism Police department (email: touristpolice@dubaipolice.gov.ae) specifically designed to assist visitors with any issues they might face.
• Ministry of Economy (Consumer Protection Department): The UAE’s Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection is designed to safeguard consumer rights. For consumer-related concerns or disputes, you can contact the Ministry of Economy’s unified number, which is 800 1222.
• Your Bank: If your credit card or bank details have been compromised, immediately contact your bank to report the fraud and block your cards.

Cultural Awareness as a Safeguard

While not directly a scam prevention tip, understanding and respecting local laws and customs can help you avoid unintended issues. The UAE has a strict legal framework, and actions that might be minor elsewhere could have serious consequences here. Public behavior, dress code, and interactions should always be respectful. This general adherence to local norms minimizes any chance of attracting unwanted attention or falling afoul of less scrupulous individuals looking to exploit unfamiliarity.

Your Safe Journey Awaits

The UAE is an incredibly welcoming and safe destination for tourists, but like any place, a healthy dose of awareness goes a long way. By understanding common scams, verifying services, exercising financial caution, and knowing how to reach out for help, you can ensure your trip is free from unwelcome surprises. The team at www.few.ae is confident that with these practical tips, your visit to the Emirates will be nothing short of spectacular and secure.