Is Dubai safe for tourists?

Yes. Dubai consistently ranks among the safest cities for travellers, with a strong police presence and low street crime.

What is the best way to get around Dubai?

The metro covers most attractions and is cheap. Combine it with taxis or ride apps for short hops.

Cover shoulders and knees in public, malls and souks. Beachwear at the beach. Modest dress at mosques.

Cards work almost everywhere. Carry small cash for taxis, souks and tips.

Everything you need to move around Dubai safely and confidently: transport, weather, dress code, money, Ramadan etiquette and emergency numbers.

Dubai International (DXB)
The main airport. Metro Red Line connects T1 and T3 to the city.
Open in Google Maps
Al Maktoum (DWC)
Secondary airport in the south. Taxi is the easiest way in.
Open in Google Maps
Visa
Many nationalities get a visa on arrival. Check the official UAE source for your passport.

Metro
Two lines (Red and Green) cover most tourist sights. Clean, fast, air-conditioned.
Tram
Connects Dubai Marina, JBR and the Palm monorail.
Taxi
Cream taxis are metered and reliable. Pink-roof taxis have a female driver.
Ride apps
Careem and Uber work everywhere in the city.
Nol Card
Rechargeable card for metro, tram and most buses. Buy at any metro station.
Walking
Distances are big and summer heat is real. Combine walking with metro and taxi.

Currency
UAE Dirham (AED). Cards are widely accepted; carry small cash for souks and taxis.
ATMs
Everywhere. Avoid dynamic currency conversion — pay in AED.
SIM / eSIM
Etisalat (e&) and du sell tourist SIMs at the airport. eSIMs work too.
Wi-Fi
Free in malls, metro stations and most cafés.

When to visit
November to March: pleasant. June to September: very hot, plan indoor activities.
Dress code
In public, cover shoulders and knees. Beachwear at the beach, modest in mosques and souks.
Sun protection
UV is strong year-round. Sunscreen, hat, water.
Ramadan
Eat, drink and smoke discreetly in public during fasting hours. Evenings come alive with iftar.

General safety
Dubai is one of the safest big cities in the world. Use normal travel sense in crowds.
Police
Dial 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire.
Tourist police
English-speaking. Available in malls, beaches and tourist areas.
Pharmacies
Many open 24/7. Look for the green cross sign.
Accessibility
Metro, malls and major attractions are wheelchair-friendly.

Visa rules, prices and opening hours change. Always check the official UAE government source before travelling.

Is Dubai safe for tourists?: Yes. Dubai consistently ranks among the safest cities for travellers, with a strong police presence and low street crime.
What is the best way to get around Dubai?: The metro covers most attractions and is cheap. Combine it with taxis or ride apps for short hops.
What should I wear in Dubai?: Cover shoulders and knees in public, malls and souks. Beachwear at the beach. Modest dress at mosques.
Do I need cash in Dubai?: Cards work almost everywhere. Carry small cash for taxis, souks and tips.

What to See in Dubai

The unmissable Dubai sights: Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, desert, beaches, souks and more.

Dubai in One Day

A practical one-day Dubai itinerary with morning, midday, afternoon and evening.

Old Dubai Guide

Dubai Creek, abra rides, Al Fahidi, Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Emirati culture.

Dubai Desert Safari Guide

Dune bashing, camel rides, sunset and Bedouin camps near Dubai.

Best Beaches in Dubai

JBR, Kite Beach, Sunset Beach, Palm and the best stretches of sand in Dubai.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Downtown, Marina, Palm, Deira, Bur Dubai and the best Dubai neighbourhoods.