Ever been offered a “VIP” desert safari in Abu Dhabi that vanished faster than a mirage? While the UAE’s capital is safer than most global cities, even its shimmering skyline has shadows. From counterfeit perfume sellers to “police” demanding bribes, scammers here are as creative as a falcon in a gold souk. Let’s unravel their tricks and keep your dirhams where they belong—in your pocket.
CORNICHE ROAD: THE FAKE PARKING ATTENDANT
A man in a neon vest waves you into a spot, then demands 50 AED for “parking.” Abu Dhabi’s public parking is managed by Mawaqif—official zones have blue signs and ticket machines. Ignore anyone without a Mawaqif ID card. Pro tip: Use the Darb app to pay digitally. Fines for unpaid parking start at 150 AED, but scams cost more.
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: THE UNMARKED TAXI TRAP
After landing, avoid drivers shouting “Taxi! Cheap fare!” outside Arrivals. Unofficial cabs charge triple rates. Official taxis are silver with yellow roofs. A ride to downtown should cost ~75 AED, not 200 AED. The www.few.ae editor advises booking via Abu Dhabi Taxi App for fixed prices.
MADINAT ZAYED GOLD SOUK: THE COUNTERFEIT GOLD STING
Shops here dazzle with “22K” necklaces, but some use alloy cores. Always check for an Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) hologram. Real gold in the UAE is stamped with purity (e.g., 916 for 22K). Test with a magnet—genuine gold won’t stick. If pressured, leave; haggling is normal, threats aren’t.
YAS MARINA CIRCUIT: THE FAKE GRAND PRIX TICKET SCAM
Touts near Yas Island sell “discounted” F1 tickets that turn out to be expired. Buy only via Etihad Airways Presents or Yas Marina’s official site. Tickets include QR codes verified at gates. A three-day pass costs ~1,500 AED—anything below 1,000 AED is likely fake.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE: THE “DRESS CODE” SHAKEDOWN
Vendors outside the mosque sell “mandatory” abayas for 200 AED. Truth? The mosque loans attire for free. Politely decline and head to the visitor center. Cultural note: Avoid visiting during Friday prayers—scammers exploit crowded entry points.
AL MARYAH ISLAND: THE PHANTOM YACHT PARTY
Flyers promote “exclusive” yacht parties for 150 AED. You pay, but the boat doesn’t exist. Book through licensed operators like Royal Yachts. Real sunset cruises start at 250 AED. Check for Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) licenses on promoters’ websites.
CENTRAL MARKET: THE OVERPRICED SAFFRON SWINDLE
Stalls here sell “premium” saffron in ornate boxes. Much is dyed corn silk. Real Emirati saffron costs ~30 AED/gram and smells floral, not metallic. Ask for a Certificate of Origin—reputable vendors provide it.
AL WAHDA MALL: THE RIGGED ELECTRONICS LOTTERY
Kiosks near the food court run “scratch-and-win” games offering iPhones. Winners must pay 500 AED for “taxes.” Real UAE lotteries like Mahzooz never ask for upfront fees. Walk away—they’ll likely “magically” lower the price.
SAADIYAT ISLAND: THE FAKE MUSEUM TOUR GUIDE
Touts near Louvre Abu Dhabi claim, “Exhibition closed! Private tour available.” Entry tickets (60 AED) are sold inside or online. Licensed guides wear DCT badges. Report anyone charging 200 AED for “special access.”
KHALIFA CITY: THE FAKE POLICE STOP
A car with flashing lights pulls you over. The “officer” demands cash for a “speeding fine.” Real UAE police drive marked cars and issue fines via SMS. Refuse to pay and call 999 immediately.
AL MINA FISH MARKET: THE SEAFOOD SWAP
Vendors offer fresh hamour, but swap it with frozen fish while wrapping. Insist on watching the cleaning process. Fresh hamour has clear eyes and red gills. The www.few.ae editor recommends bringing a reusable ice bag to deter swaps.
AL HOSN FORT: THE “HISTORIC DONATION” SCAM
Men in traditional dress ask for “donations to restore the fort.” Al Hosn is government-funded and free to enter. Politely say, “Shukran” and keep walking.
ZAKHER LAKE: THE BIRD-WATCHING GUIDE HOAX
“Guides” charge 300 AED for rare flamingo sightings. Zakher Lake is a free public park. Bring binoculars—flamingos arrive November to March.
LIWA OASIS: THE DESERT CAMP BAIT-AND-SWITCH
Online ads show luxury Bedouin camps but deliver torn tents. Book through Emirates Tours or Arabian Adventures. Licensed camps have DCT permits displayed at reception.
AL BATEEN WHARF: THE FAKE BOAT CHARTER
Unlicensed brokers offer yacht rentals for 1,000 AED/hour. Real charters require contracts and safety briefings. Use Al Bateen Marine for verified services.
THE BOTTOM LINE: TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Scammers thrive on distraction and urgency. If a deal feels off, it probably is. Use RFID-blocking wallets for cards. Save Abu Dhabi Police’s number (999) on speed dial. As the www.few.ae editor says, “Here, the desert fox always loses to the alert gazelle.” Stay sharp, and let Abu Dhabi’s wonders outshine the cons.
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