United Arab Emirates Country Report

The UAE can pose security challenges to domestic and foreign operators, but for the most part, visits are trouble-free. Several missiles and weaponized drones launched by Yemen's Al-Houthis targeted critical infrastructure sites and high-profile locations in the UAE in early 2022. Emirati air defenses intercepted and destroyed most projectiles, though the system is not 100 percent effective, as such a small number of casualties were reported. Additional projectile attacks remain possible. The UAE has largely been spared from the terrorist threat affecting many of its neighbors in the region. However, Islamist militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), have threatened the UAE due to its large expatriate population and role in the fight against extremism.

Crime is not a significant concern. The main threats are financial crime and petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Violent crime is rare. Incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault against Western women have been reported. Demonstrations require advance approval of the government and are very rare. Protests that do occur are usually peaceful and heavily policed. Protests by migrant laborers have turned violent on occasion. The UAE's alignment with the US has led to strained relations with Iran. Tensions with Qatar remain elevated despite the de facto resolution of a diplomatic row. Although road conditions are high, traffic accidents occur due to poor driving standards among local motorists. Sandstorms and fog can affect air services and result in delays and cancelations. Medical care is of a high standard.

Militant groups have threatened to carry out attacks. Attacks could target places of worship, military interests, commercial facilities, hotels, and other locations frequented by travelers. Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, does occur. Violent crime is rare. Demonstrations, which the government must first authorize, rarely take place. Laborers have previously staged protests that have caused property damage. The UAE's alignment with the US has strained relations with Iran. Tensions with Qatar remain elevated despite the restoration of diplomatic ties in January 2021; however, a complete breakdown in relations similar to what occurred in 2017 is unlikely in the near future. Yemen's Al-Houthi rebels launched multiple missiles and weaponized drones against targets within the UAE in early 2022; Emirati air defense forces intercepted most projectiles. Additional projectile attacks remain possible.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict in Israel is unlikely to impact the UAE directly. However, Iran-backed proxy groups, specifically Yemen's Al-Houthi rebels' involvement in the conflict in Israel, could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire and geopolitical status quo in the Gulf. Moreover, Iran-backed proxy groups in Iraq have threatened to carry out attacks against US military bases in the UAE.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

Road conditions are adequate, however, road traffic accidents are common.

Emirati ports are of a Western standard.

Access to utilities is excellent. The federal government and individual emirates continue to invest heavily in the country's infrastructure. The UAE has one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in the region.

There are increasing concerns over the threat of cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy.

The climate is generally desert and arid and is extremely hot in summer. Sandstorms can lead to difficult driving conditions, trigger health problems and severely disrupt air travel. Heavy rains occur occasionally and can result in flooding, affecting overland travel. Fog can disrupt air travel. Sporadic, minor, low-impact earthquakes do occur but cause no injuries or damage. The country suffers from high levels of pollution.

Healthcare facilities in the United Arab Emirates are on a par with those in Western Europe and the United States; however, medical infrastructure may be challenged, inadequate, or absent outside of major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially in rural areas. There are a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics. Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines available in Western countries are considered controlled or illegal substances in the UAE. There are sporadic outbreaks of communicable diseases. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Despite intra-emirate rivalries and hostility towards Islamists, there are no significant threats to political stability. The anti-government unrest seen in other countries in the Middle East and North Africa has not taken root in the UAE, primarily due to its citizens' high standard of living and the existence of an extensive surveillance/police state. Anti-corruption and anti-fraud legislation is enforced. Local laws reflect the fact that the UAE is an Islamic country. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties, including fines or even capital punishment for serious crimes.